PD Online exclusive Interview of Jacques Rogge

Jacques Rogge and volunteers.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president wrote back to People's Daily Online on Aug 25, 2005 to answer questions from People's Daily Online. Seven of the questions are from readers of PD Online.

1. What are your feelings about the opening ceremony?
It was absolutely brilliant. The use of technology and a very modern presentation to show Chinese history and culture dating back 5,000 years was fascinating. The ceremony was an international success and drew huge television audiences around the world.

2. It has been a long time since your first visit to China as an IOC officer. What do you think is the biggest change brought by the experience of hosting the Olympic Games? Did you expect this kind of change?

You are right. This has been a long journey, but I always expected these games to be absolutely spectacular. Nothing that has happened has been a surprise. It was the confirmation of what I had hoped. I have to say, though, that the venues turned out to be even more magnificent than I had imagined at the start of this process.

3. The International Olympic Committee authorized China, a developing country with a population of 1.3 billion people, to host the 29th Olympic Games in 2001. What are your thoughts on this event?

These Games will be remembered as a significant milestone in China’s remarkable transformation. The world will discover China and its culture, and China will discover the world. We will all gain from that experience. The Games are not just a sports activity. The Games are about universality — the universality of people of different ethnic groups, political systems, cultural systems, languages and tradition.

4. What legacy will the Games leave for the Chinese people and the IOC?

The Games will leave a wonderful legacy for China and the Olympic Movement. Some changes will be seen immediately in the improvements made to Beijing’s public infrastructure and the environment. Other changes, like the rise in confidence of a generation of China’s youth, the positive development of sport in China and an increase in the global understanding of China as a country are a strong step forward for both the country and the Movement.

5. By hosting the Olympic Games, China can enhances communication with the world; while foreign friends can get better acquainted with China. If you had the chance to introduce China and Chinese people to your friends, what words would you use to describe them?

Enthusiastic, friendly, hard-working and dedicated. All of us who visited China for the Olympic Games will long remember the smiles and warmth of the Olympic volunteers and Chinese people.

6. China’s civilization has a history of more than 5,000 years. We know that you understand the Chinese culture quite well. We would like to know which aspect of Chinese culture you are most interested in.

China’s history and culture have so much to offer that the question is impossible to answer. I am interested in many aspects of Chinese culture. I only regret that I have not had more time to explore this astonishing country.

7. How would you like people to remember the Beijing Olympic Games once they finish?

As an event that was good for athletes, spectators and the media, and as an event that left a positive legacy for China and the world. I am positive that the Games will be remembered in that way.

8. As a great athlete when you were young, which event and which athlete are you most interested in during the Beijing Olympic Games?

I love all sports and respect all athletes. By the end of the Games, I will have seen at least one event in all of the 28 sports represented here. I find that every sport has unique elements that make the competition interesting and exciting.

9. In addition to a Chinese edition, People’s Daily Online also publishes its website in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Arabic. The Beijing Olympic Games have outlined rules concerning blogs opened by athletes. This is a positive move for the IOC to adapt to the Information Age. We are wondering if you would be interested in opening a blog on People’s Daily Online.

I very much appreciate your kind offer, however, I am sorry to say that I would not be a very good blogger for People’s Daily Online. I would not be able to devote the time needed to keep my blog interesting and up-to-date for your readers.

10. Would you like to say something to the athletes who will compete in the Beijing Olympic Games?

My message to athletes is: Nothing will compare to your experience as an athlete at the Olympic Games. You are all winners. You are role models. You are an inspiration for the youth of the world. We are counting on you to reject doping and to display the Olympic values of fair play and sportsmanship. I know you will not let us down.

11. Is the International Olympic Committee satisfied with Beijing’s winning of the bid for the Olympic Games?

Absolutely. The Games organizers and the Chinese authorities have done an outstanding job. I also want to thank the thousands of Chinese citizens who have volunteered their time and effort to make these Games such a success.

12. May I ask Mr. Rogge, from this year's opening and closing ceremony to the games, what scenes and which athletes left you a deep impression?

There are always many memorable moments at the Olympic Games. Some are happy. Some are sad. We were all sorry to see Liu Xiang’s injury, and we wish him a speedy recovery. There were many remarkable athletes here. Michael Phelps has earned a place in history. Usain Bolt’s performance in Athletics was unforgettable. The Chinese athletes were very impressive — Guo Jingjing, Liu Zige, Yang Wei, Li Xiaopeng and many others were amazing. The athletes in Beijing lived up to the Olympic motto — Citius, Altius, Fortius — faster, higher stronger.

13. May I ask Mr. Rogge, if you were presenter, who do you want to present the medals most?

I do not have a special favorite. The truth is, all of the athletes at the Olympic Games are winners. Pierre de Courbertin, the founder of the Olympic Movement, was right when he said that the important thing is not to triumph, but to compete.

14. Mr. Rogge, how do you think of the fact that competitive sports stars are becoming increasingly commercialized, and is this consistent with the spirit of the Olympics?

The Olympic Games are unique in major sports that we do not allow commercial advertising in our venues. We appreciate the strong support from our corporate sponsors, but we want the focus in the venues to be on the athletes and competition in its purest form.

15. The Olympics have become increasingly commercialized, and some political forces targeting the Olympic Games . It’s getting harder and harder to depoliticize the Olympic Games. What’s your opinion of the future development direction of the Olympic Games? Will the Olympic Games return to a simple sports competition?

Political groups and activist organizations have always tried to use the Olympic Games to promote their agendas. The situation is not unique to China. We understand that. But the International Olympic Committee is first and foremost an organization devoted to sport. We will not deviate from that core mission. The Olympic Games use the power of sport to bring positive changes.

16. In the opening ceremony of every Olympic Games, it always takes a long time for delegations to parade into the stadium; I would like to ask Mr. Rogge whether it is possible to change the form of parade and control the parade part within one hour？

Every delegation from every nation deserves its time in the spotlight. It is a very special moment when athletes enter the stadium for the first time. I would not want to deny any athlete the chance to experience that moment. The parade was a bit longer in China because we had a record number of nations participating — 204.

17. Mr. Rogge, which is your favorite sports？Every time I see you on the screen you keep a very serious look! Is there too much pressure?

I am probably concentrating on the action when you see me. I can tell you that I am thoroughly enjoying these Games and plan to visit every venue in China.

18. Finally, we would like you to leave a message for Chinese netizens.

Thank you, China, for being a warm and gracious host of these Olympic Games. I have very much enjoyed my time in your beautiful country and with the wonderful people. Your dedication has shaped a world-class event and your hospitality has shown the world what China can do for sport, friendship and the Olympic spirit.

By People's Daily Online