The Rise of the Dragon

The Olympics are only 45 days away.  I really love the atmosphere of the Olympics and to see all of these athletes from around the world who have trained most of their lives compete.  I admire every single athlete who competes and who has made it to the Olympics.  Being an athlete myself, I know the hard work and dedication it really takes to become so good at something that you have the privilege to represent your own country.

China has really worked hard to make sure the Olympics go off without any incidents.  They are even trying to change the weather for that day.  From what I read previously, there supposed to be a 50% chance of rain on August 8, 2008 and the Chinese are trying to influence the weather so there will be a 100% chance of sunshine (minus the pollution).

They’ve also had their own run ins with different problems.  Such as the real threat of canceling some of the Olympic events because of the terrible pollution from all the cars and factories.  I think they are over that issue now, but it is still very much a concern for many who plan on attending and competing in the Olympics.  When I have been in Beijing, I have not seen many “sunny” days.  The sun is out with no cloud in sight, but the pollution inundates the city making a cloudless sunny day look like an overcast.

Then there’s the political nightmare China faced recently with Tibet and the ongoing battle with Taiwan.  Where ever the torch landed, there would be protests in the streets protesting the canceling of the Olympics in China.  When the initial plans on the route of the Olympic torch was release, there was a huge uproar in Taiwan when the torch was placed within the “domestic” route.  Since 1949, when the Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan, there has been an ongoing dispute between both “areas”.  If you talk to most anyone from Mainland China they will say Taiwan was, is, and will always be a part of China.  However, if you talk to most Taiwanese, they will say Taiwan is not a part of China.  Also, never call a Taiwanese person “Chinese”, they are referred to as “Taiwanese”.  In any case, when China decided to place Taiwan in between the International and Domestic routs of the torch relay, they still refused to take part in this portion of the Olympics.

In my opinion, the Olympics are the Olympics.  They should not be made political.  These are athletes who have trained most of their lives for a chance to become the best in the world at what they do.  I don’t necessarily agree with everything China has done as far as Tibet, Taiwan, and human rights is concerned; however, we should put our differences aside and allow China to show the world who they really are.  The stereotype that China is a poor, uneducated, and heartless people is absolutely not the case.  You will see on August 8, 2008 the greatness and uniqueness of the Chinese people and country.  I look forward to it!