In 169 days, we will start chanting U-S-A! U-S-A! That's right, the Olympics begin in London in less than half a year.

From now until that patriotic day, our friends across the pond have work to do. As of Nov. 18, they had shortened their list by completing the Basketball Areana, Aquatics Centre and laid the last section of turf on the field. Those sound impressive, but more impressive and daunting is the list of milestones London had to finish, starting three years ago. The Olympics aren't taken lightly.

All of the preparation will come together for the 26 sports held during the 17 days of the event. More than 200,000 volunteers and workers just started their training to control the mass of activities. The Game Makers, as they are called, started training Feb. 1 and will contribute more than 8 million hours when the medals start gracing athletes.

Personally, I will be looking forward to the hardware the gymnasts earn. That is the great part about the Olympics, so many sports give everyone a chance to have a favorite. Plus, America roots together, not divided.