Athens – An education…

A US journalist finally gets it on what security means…

Drama in the Olympic marathon what did I say?

Matthew Davis – BBC News Online in Athens

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has been giving his verdict on the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, saying that overall Greece had done an “outstanding job”.

BBC News Online considers his assessment of Athens 2004's key areas.

As a former Olympian, Mr Rogge said he had been moved by athletes' tears of joy and of despair, which he said summed up the “magic of the Games”.

He singled out fourth consecutive gold medals for British rower Matthew Pinsent and Polish race walker Robert Korzeniowski as his personal highlights.

But he also said he had been stirred by the despair of Paula Radcliffe's marathon failure, and as a Belgian, applauded Justine Henin-Hardenne's semi-final comeback and eventual gold medal in the women's tennis.

Television viewing figures are being hailed as a huge success, however, with broadcasters reporting audience increases of about 15% on Sydney 2000.

Disputes over judging in gymnastics, fencing and swimming – to name but three – have soured some competitions and the IOC is not happy. Mr Rogge said his organisation would sit down with the federations of the Olympic sports to work out what went wrong. “The difficulties in judging in some sports are going to be something we will continue to work on,” he said. “But we will never be able to avoid any controversy in judging, because there is always a human element to it,” the president added.

Next year, the IOC is also expected to review the Olympic sports. Mr Rogge said it was likely that “one or two” would be replaced by 2012, but promised there would be no “major revolution”.

It's my last day here and I have 15 minutes to catch my flight – or at least get to the merchandise shop when it opens before leaving – so it's time for last impressions of the Games before I go….

Well, you can tell you've had a good time if you don't want it to end….as the greek policeman (showed talking with Michael Lane in the photogallery of the 50km Race posted previously) said – we don't want the Games ever to end.

The Greeks have put maximum effort into these Games, and due to the huge numbers of people each putting their personal pride into making sure things work – it mostly has.

Perhaps, the Games is just too big to organise, but it doesn't seem to be overall planning that get's it done but all these individuals sorting things out on the ground. There's plenty of gaps – but they've been filled in to make sure everyone is left with a good impression.

The only sour note for me was the contradictory information I was given at the main press centre yesterday when I was told I could get a guest pass to attend Robert Korzeniowski's press conference – only to be told after walking round the accreditation centre that I would've needed to apply 24 hours in advance, and being told that info is in the media guide, which it isn't or the version I have is different.. Whatever, the result was a long walk in the midday sun all around the stadium perimeter for nothing…and missing some no doubt good quotes from 'the master'.

The Zappeion press centre has been great, and I've made firends here. It truly is, as they claim a 'home from home'. I'm not sure if it were planned or just happened that it is for the 'second class' journmalists who couldn't get main accreditation – and would still feel welcomed and included. Perhaps we all better off here than with the main media hounds out in the Olympic Complex..

Perhaps over there is how Greece used to be – but mostly I've found it to be modern and welcoming…indeed if this were pen and paper you might see some circular smudges on these words on the thought of leaving.

Must dash to the shop…

BBC – “Paula Radcliffe suffered more Olympic agony as she dropped out of the 10,000m final with eight laps remaining.”

“Radcliffe, who failed to finish the marathon on Sunday, managed to stay with the leaders in the early stages.”

“But she started to slip back with 12 of the 25 laps left and after dropping 50m behind, stepped into the infield, her Olympic dream shattered once again.”

Still another great night of athletics, my final one at the Stadium, including a WR equalling performance by Xiang Lui in the 110m hurdles.