Just after 8 o'clock this morning, bells rang out all over Bristol heralding the first day of the 2012 Olympics.  As the month of competition kicks off, six past and present Bristol students prepare to take part in the historic games.   

We offer congratulations and best wishes to:

• Lawrence Clarke, graduated last year in Theology & Religious Studies - Hurdles
• Georgie Twigg, just completed a Law degree - Women's Hockey
• Ian Percy OBE, studied at Bristol 1995-8 in Economics - Men's Star Class (Sailing)
• Claire Hallissey, completed a PhD in Immunology 2006-10 - Marathon
• Laura Bechtolsheimer, graduated in 2007 in Philosophy & Politics - Dressage 
• Hannah Mills, current Engineering student - Women's 470 Class (Sailing)

Five University staff members are also involved in the Olympics and Paraolympics (opening 29 August), having donated their time to be the "face of the games" - helping with everything from greeting visitors to ticket checking to physiotherapy.  Staff volunteers are:

• Sue James, Centre for Sport, Exercise & Health (SEH) receptionist
• Penny Porter, SEH physiotherapist
• Gael Barnes, SEH physiotherapist
• Clare Brophy, Human Resources staff development manager
• Jenny Fletcher, SEH massage therapist

We like to say congratulations to all the athletes involved in this year's Games, and don't forget to stop by the Big Screen in Millennium Square (Bristol Harbourside) to watch the competition unfold!

The Olympic Games begin today (Friday 27 July) and end on Sunday 12 August.  

For more information about what is show on the Millennium Square Big Screeen, visit Big Screen Bristol.

Read the University's press release about the six Bristol contenders.

Read the University's press release about the five staff members volunteering during the Games.

The photo is taken from the Official Olympics website.