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In a week’s time, the world will focus its attention on the city of Beijing. The opening ceremony will kick off the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and one part of the proceedings on Aug 8, is the athletes walk into the National Stadium, donning their country uniforms.
Most will carry camcorders and the digital cameras they bought at the duty free shop on the way into the Mainland. Who are these people in their berets, tomatoes and egg outfits and Crocs footwear? Which sports do spectators really care about?
I am an Australian, nestled within many Americans here. Swimming and Athletics are the leading sports, in addition to the Gymnastics.
The stadiums are located on the Olympic Green; just a stone throw away from the International Broadcast Centre (IBC).
What surprised me is the Americans affinity to Beach Volleyball. This sport is high on the broadcast agenda and is astonishingly popular amongst the Yanks. I asked some of my mates why and they responded, “Because we’re good at it”. Do you think it has anything to do with the next-to-nothing outfits the female athletes wear?
Boxing and Basketball are also the sports to watch – in particular, there is a keen interest on the match up against the US and China on Aug 10. NBA giants Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will feature for the US team, keen to reassert their brilliance and dominance in the minds of pessimists.
The Chinese will set up a human Great Wall around the ring and with Yao Ming at 2.29M tall, it will be difficult to breakdown. The word is that George W. will be attending; hence all eyes and security will be out in force at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium that day.
The curtain will draw on Baseball and Softball, which will undoubtedly produce more airtime than usual. Australia has performed quite well over the last few Games and many will hope to see it appear on the Olympic sports list in the years to come. But for now, we will need to enjoy its swansong as best we can.
Being in China – amongst others, keep an eye out on the Asian contingent in the table tennis and badminton.