THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE OLYMPIC GAME

THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE OLYMPICS Olympics rings flag flies over Tower Bridge. The logo of five rings, linked to show unity between athletes on five continents, was designed in 1912 by the founder of the International Olympic Committee, Pierre de Coubertin. Seven years in the making, not even the ever-present specter of miserable weather can dampen spirits now close to fever pitch in anticipation of Friday's opening ceremonies for the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London. Set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time,opening ceremonies promise to be a celebration of all things British, while featuring a parade of competitors from hundreds of countries, as well as decidedly odd-looking games mascots and staff garb. Lucky for the millions of spectators who will be tuning into the see the world's greatest athletes, this isn't the British capital's first time around the block when it comes to hosting a major international sporting event. The city has played host twice before for the summer in games in 1908 and again in 1948