British swimming gold medalist Duncan Goodhew has praised the organisers for the athletes' welcome to the Olympic Village last night.

Hoards of Olympic hopefuls moved into the complex yesterday ahead of the London Games, which officially begin this Friday with the opening ceremony.

"It's absolutely fantastic here at the Olympic Village," Goodhew told BBC Radio Five Live. "Last night was beautiful. The team was welcomed by the national youth theatre. As Shakespearean folly, there were jester hats and singing to the Queen.

"Everything you can imagine is in the Olympic Village. [Nick Clegg] made a speech and just welcomed everybody and wished them luck. Boris [Johnson] was very entertaining and I can't tell you how many jokes he made."

While the Games officially begin after the opening ceremony, the women's football tournament kicks off this afternoon.