THE success of the London Olympics has boosted interest in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, organisers have said.
David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, told a London press briefing: "Since the start of London 2012 there's been a huge upsurge of interest.
"People are saying things such as 'The excite- ment of 2012 makes me wish Glasgow 2014 was happening right away'.
"This is evoking a sense of excitement and pride. It's a real testament to the power of multi-sport events.
"Elite athletes from across the Commonwealth will be breaking records and settling sporting scores.
"It's our turn next, and we can't wait," a feeling that was echoed by Sir Chris Hoy on Tuesday when after winning his second gold of these Games, he said: "Glasgow would be the dream ending for me."
Commonwealth Games organisers released results of a survey which showed that more than 40% of Scots say their experience of London 2012 has made them more excited about the prospect of sporting stars from 71 nations and territories competing in the Commonwealth Games in two years' time.
The survey, conducted in Scotland, also showed that interest in buying tickets has doubled from 14% in the last survey, in March, to 29%.
More than three- quarters (78%) of adults in Scotland believe the Games will have a positive effect on Glasgow, and the same proportion believes they will have a positive effect on Scotland as a whole.
Gordon Matheson, Glasgow City Council leader, said: "As one of the world's top 10 sporting destinations, Glasgow will form the perfect backdrop to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, which presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the city's sporting and cultural credentials as well as its iconic landmarks to a global audience.
Cllr Matheson, who is also chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau added: "The public's enthusiasm for the Olympics in recent weeks has been palpable and I am confident that appetite and excitement will continue as people realise they can be part of a similarly amazing sporting experience when the baton is passed to Glasgow as host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games."
Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: "Over the past 10 days, our Olympians have demonstrated the most fantastic skill, drama, excitement and achievement.
"Scotland's members of Team GB are contributing spectacularly to our success. So it is no surprise that this research shows that Team GB's amazing performances and growing medal haul are increasing people's interest in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and that more and more people now want to attend that event.
"With the widest sport programme ever, these Games offer something for everyone and provide lasting sporting benefits across Scotland."
And swimmer David Carry, Olympic finalist for Team GB in the 400m freestyle and five times Commonwealth Games medallist for Team Scotland, told the briefing: "The biggest thing for me has been the opportunity, even before getting here, to engage with the public.
"When we compete, they know what's gone into our journey, and they understand."
He praised provision of sporting venues for the Games, and said that when growing up in Aberdeen, he had to go to Edinburgh or abroad to find world-class facilities.
"Having extra capacity gives swimmers the access to facilities that we need to compete at the highest level."
Glasgow 2014 will be held from July 23 to August 3 that year.
It will feature 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 250 medal events on show. The Games will have 4500 athletes and sell a million tickets, with the event helped by 15,000 local volunteers.