Well, we enjoyed London 2012 and now we’re loving the Rio Olympics – go Team GB – and we’re on track to do even better than London – Wow! Sadly, unlike London, Brazil is just a little too far away to pop over and catch an event or soak up the atmosphere. But fear not, the Olympic spirit is alive and kicking in Swansea Bay, where you can try a whole host of Olympic sports – so limber up and lambada on over (and don’t miss our Official Team GB Olympic Fanzone) Caramba!
London 2012 Medal Count (Road & Track): 8 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze.
With two titans of track and road in the form of Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Bradley Wiggins leading the way (not forgetting our homegrown Welsh cyclists in the form of Geraint Thomas, Owain Doull, Becky James and Elinor Barker), if there is one sport Team GB excels at, it has to be cycling – and it’s one of the most popular sports in Swansea Bay. As part of the National Cycle Network and Celtic Trail West, we have plenty of traffic-free cycle routes set in stunning scenery to more than rival the Brazilian Pampas. You’ll also find a lot of quieter roads on the North Gower Cycle route which come complete with incredible panoramic views. More of an off-roader? Don’t miss a trip to Afan Forest Park, described as one of the world’s ‘Top 10 Places to Ride’ by Mountain Bike Rider Magazine and in the top 10 ‘UK Biking Holidays’ by Mountain Biking UK Magazine. The park’s mountain biking trails all boast challenging single-track descents, monster climbs, and spectacular views over the South Wales Valleys.
Useful Info
Download our cycle parking map here.
For disabled bike hire, please visit www.bikeabilitywales.org.uk
Accommodation with bike storage.
London 2012 Medal Count: 0 (must do better!)
It might not be the Copacabana, but you won’t find many better locations in the UK for a game of beach volleyball than beautiful Swansea Bay. Hire a court for a game at 360 Beach & Watersports with family or friends, or book a ‘fun session’ which includes court hire, equipment and an instructor to help you learn the basics / hone your skills. The view across to Mumbles isn’t bad either.
London 2012 Medal Count: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 0 Bronze
Another Olympic sport that we are pretty good at (particularly in the form of Sir Ben Ainslie) is sailing. With the Gower Peninsula – the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year right on our doorstep, we have mile upon mile of stunning coastline that is crying out to be explored from the water. Bring your own boat and sail to your heart’s content, or book a memorable guided trip and discover the highlights and hidden gems.
London 2012 Medal Count: Not included
After 112 years, golf is poised to return as an Olympic sport in Rio with a brand new course created especially for the Olympic Games. Here in Swansea Bay we have two superb tried and tested courses on the beautiful Gower Peninsula – stunning Gower Golf Club (an 18 hole course set in rolling countryside with practice and tuition facilities), and Fairwood Park Golf Club (15 minutes from the centre of Swansea boasting 18 holes of fantastic championship golf).
London 2012 Medal Count: 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
The Team GB Canoeing Team thrilled at London 2012, coming away with an impressive 3 medal haul – remember that dramatic first and second place in the men’s slalom? We also more than held our own in a kayak, and came away with medals. One of the best ways to explore Swansea Bay at its very best is from the water, as it allows you to get closer to nature and explore our beautiful beaches and coastline from new angles. If you don’t have one of your own, we have plenty of operators that hire out both canoes and kayaks.
London 2012 Medal Count: 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Team GB also put in a dominant performance in the London 2012 equestrian events, picking up no less than five medals. Not many of us are lucky enough to own our own horse and stable, so if you’ve always wanted to give it a go, pay a visit to Clyne Farm Riding and Activity Centre. Set in eighty acres of traffic free, beautiful woodland and pasture, it truly is an idyllic setting, and what better way to explore it than on horseback (or pony!).
London 2012 Medal Count: 0 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
Swimming is one of the most exciting events in the Olympics – the drama of the 4 x 100m is one of our absolute favourites. If you enjoy your lane swimming, Swansea Bay is home to Wales’ National Pool, which has been used as a training base by various Olympic athletes. Fancy an adrenaline rush or bringing the kids? Check out LC Swansea, Wales’ Premier Water and Leisure Park. While you may not see slides and board riders in Rio, they are definitely Olympic Standard – you’ll have a whale of a time.
London 2012 Medal Count: 0 (must do better!)
Football needs no introduction – especially here in Swansea Bay thanks to the fantastic performance of the Welsh Team (the feel good factor is still flowing!). You can play football almost anywhere, but beach football is a different story. Head over to 360 Beach and Watersports on Swansea Bay Beach and give it a go!
London 2012 Medal Count: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 0 Bronze
Many claim that London 2012 triggered Andy Murray’s incredible journey from achieving Olympic Gold to gaining his first Grand Slam title in the US Open. With Andy also flying the flag for Britain at this year’s Olympics and full of confidence after winning his second Wimbledon title in June, tennis is all set to become one of the star events in Rio. If you visit us in Swansea Bay, don’t forget to pack your racket, as we have a number of fantastic indoor and outdoor courts.
London 2012 Medal Count: 1 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze
While arguably not as high profile as cycling and swimming, London 2012 was a fairy tale for Team GB’s Peter Wilson, who held his nerve to win gold in the men’s double trap. Remember the sheer disbelief on his face? If you want to experience the adrenaline rush of pulling the trigger and hitting a target, Adventure Britain and Clyne Farm Riding and Activity Centre both offer clay pigeon shooting. In a similar vein, archery is also great fun – and there are plenty of places where you can give it a go in Swansea Bay.
More of a Spectator? Catch all the action at the Official Team GB Olympic Fanzone in Castle Square.
Open from 11am daily, catch the very best of the Olympic coverage, and take part in sporting activity run by local sports development teams and the National Governing Bodies of the Olympic sports. Free entry.
