I can’t be in London, but I’m excited and looking forward to watching the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, which begin on Friday, July 27 and end on Sunday, August 12. Swimming, diving and gymnastics will be at the top of my list when I tune in, along with the opening and closing ceremonies. Artist David Watkins designed the 2012 Olympic medals, which stand ready in the Tower of London vaults. Watkins’ Olympic gold medal is the heaviest to date, weighing in at 400g, of which 6g is gold, and the rest is solid silver. The Olympic medals have a rich and interesting design history. (MORE)

Olympic Medal for 2012, designed by David Watkins.