Over 100 columns, each five meters tall, have already been constructed and act as the support for the podium of the Stadium’s west and south stands. This also forms the lower ground floor of the west stand which houses the athletes' changing rooms, a 60 metre long call track and other back of house facilities such as doping control and treatment rooms.

The work to create the foundations for the Olympic Stadium is also nearing completion with over 3,500 of the 4,000 permanent piles already installed.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: "As the eyes of the world turn from Beijing to London, they will see that real progress is being made to create the new venues and infrastructure for the 2012 Games."