By Charlotte Shipman, in London
There are ways to watch an Olympic event without a ticket.
But you need to be realistic. You largely get what you pay (nothing) for. And don't think you're the only person with this genius idea.
You need a strategy. Most non-paying spectators are forced to flee for higher ground.
Be aware though – this tactic can have some awkward consequences, especially on prime pieces of real estate.
Even tall people get thwarted by possibly the most annoying approach…the two-tier system.
As they are the only ones who can see anything, it makes sense these small sports fans should be gainfully employed.
However, I expect award winning composition is not guaranteed.
And even though they have the best (free) view of this momentous, once in a lifetime event, they seem to still wish Mum and Dad had just shelled out the money to get a proper seat.
I call these photos ‘High and Unimpressed’:
So your view is blocked by toddlers with telescopic lenses, your calves ache from being on tippy toes constantly and bear in mind this is a two hour event. The athletes whizz past you once every 15 minutes or so.
What to do? What to do?
Watch another event you don't have a ticket for on your phone!
Or talk to an Australia broadcaster, now based in the US. That's Rove. He's asking whether all New Zealanders are too cheap to buy tickets. Clearly our ranking on the medal table above the green and not so gold team hurts.
