There’s something viral going around London this summer and I have caught an unashamedly bad case of it. Its name?

Olympic Fever.

Having moved to London just four months ago I arrived as the Scrooge of the Olympic Games. The talk of lengthy, sweaty, claustrophobic tube delays, congested traffic and general breakdown brought a swift rush of panic to my bones. I was only just adjusting to the sandwich packed mornings and the thought of it getting a whole lot worse was frankly frightening.

Despite having been a long standing sportswoman/lover I found it hard to move past the chaos of the Games. I couldn’t get my hands on tickets – even if I could it was unlikely I would be able to afford them. I couldn’t see past the garish pink and blue flashes that dominated the city’s landscapes. I plain and simply could not be bothered.

What the Games have done for our economy and morale in such a hard-knock era of austerity is priceless.

Those thoughts seem distant now, and ridiculous.

As I recall my pre-Olympic animosity I realise I am a sorry case of hypocrisy as I have been reborn as a full-fledged London 2012 patriot.

Judge as you desire. I repent my sporting disdain daily.

As the Games atmosphere warmed up in the city it appears that I did too. My younger year sporting dreams came flooding back as the athletes began to descend on the capital and pre-Olympic parties were in full-sail ahoy across its streets.

My previous disgust at the millions being thrown at our opening ceremony disappeared as I joined my compatriots at a private shindig and drank Olympic themed cocktails and nibbled British inspired canapés. I sang a near-solo rendition of flower of Scotland as Danny Boyle’s greatest show of all time kicked off. It was fantastic.

And now? Even if you’ve never thrown a shot-put, heard of the steeplechase or endorsed the Games before there is a sense of British pride that is sickeningly addictive.

These Games will leave a legacy. London has proved itself to be as great as it claimed and it’s sporting premise can no longer be argued.

Never before has there been such a sense of unity or Britishness as we gather together to support what really has proven to be our Greatest Team.

I might not have been to a live event but London has served non-ticket holders proud as parks, bars and restaurants have catered to the Games so all can relish in this once-in-a-lifetime sporting experience.

The set up in Hyde Park has been spectacular. The free public event feels like a miniature festival with its multi screens, food stalls, bars, sporting attractions and live music. I got to see McFly on Saturday courtesy of Boris… Who would have thought?

As I venture back from work each day I feel invigorated by my Olympic fever. I go home in anticipation of what to see and where to go. The pure joy of walking around the Olympic venue is enough to catch the viral sporting obsession.

I sport a proud smile as I walk past the years or preparation and it’s spectacular execution in the city’s hub. There have been no delays, no furore and no disappointments. Britain you have served us proud.

These Games will leave a legacy. London has proved itself to be as great as it claimed and it’s sporting premise can no longer be argued.

The Nation has been inspired by our incredible athletes and a generation will be born as the country’s youth looks-on and decides whether to be an Andy Murray or a Jess Ennis.

They may have cost a small fortune – a fraction of the cost of Beijing – but what they have done for our economy and morale in such a hard-knock era of austerity is priceless.

These Games will live in our history and in the minds of the future.

London 2012 has made me proud to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, proud to be Scottish and proud to be part of this wonderful legacy – what it means to be British.

Naomi Mills