The 2012 Summer Olympic Games kicked off in London, United Kingdom on 27 July and close on 12 August 2012. London became the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948.

London was elected as the host city on 6 July 2005 during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris after four rounds of voting. The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe.

The Olympics prompted a redevelopment of many of the areas of London in which the games are to be held – particularly themed towards sustainability – while the budgetary considerations have generated some criticism.