Beijing Olympics

The Beijing Olympics has been the topic of conversations in the past 16 days - the spectacular opening ceremony (which I deemed as "kua cheung" ie. over-acted), the over achievements of athletes (Michael Phelps took his 8 golds) and China's zealousness to show the world that it is worthy to be one of the superpowers. I think by now, not many would doubt that China can do a lot more if it puts its mind into it. China may have gotten its wish in securing the most golds (outshining the US) but it will still take some time for the world to really consider it as an influencer of sorts.

A friend commented that sports is the one thing that can unite nations around the world. Yes, there is competition but this is one activity which people from all walks of life stand together and cheer, irrespective of the teams they're championing for. Remember Lee Chong Wei's game with Lin Dan during the badminton men singles finals? How many of us rush home just to make sure we get to watch it on tv? How many of us cheered or gasped whenever Lee scored or missed a shot? For that short time, Malaysians, from different ethnic groups really stood as Malaysians, supporting Lee as he represented the chance of the nation to secure its first gold. Well, he didn't win but what a great moment to have shared together as one nation (a rare moment these days...).

For such a prestigious event, the Olympics is never without controversies. For events that are subjective in scores, ie. the gymnastics, there are always complaints of bias-ness. Nonetheless, what remains in the minds of viewers would just be how amazing the Games had been and what great records were broken. And what tugs at the heart of most viewers would be the amazing personal stories of athletes who have overcome their human weakness and taken their strengths to the best. Faster, Higher, Stronger is what the Olympics stand for ...

Even those that didn't make it to the Games made great headlines. Take note of Oscar Pistorius of South Africa. He is the 20-year Paralympic runner who is the world record holder for 100, 200 and 400 metres events. He is double-amputed from knee downwards. Early this year he was given the greenlight to compete in the Beijing Olympics to run against abled-bodies. However, he did not manage to qualify for the South African team as his best time of 46.25 seconds was short of the Olympics of 45.55 seconds. His determination, nonetheless, reminds me of Tom's dedication to weightlighting. He made it for the Olympics representing Belgium, and achieved a personal record and took 13th placing. Not bad for a lifter who is close to end his active weightlifting career. As Pistorius wisely put it, "You're either be disabled by your disabilities or be enabled by your abilities..."

As I watched the Lithuanians played against the Argentians for the bronze in basketball, I was reminded of the first game I watched when I was in Vilnius. The Lithuanian team played against the Australian then. Great game. There is a sense of familiarity and a flash of warm memories crossed through the mind. Regardless of what people say about power and politics, money and fame, at the end of the day, the values of humanity remain the strongest source of inspirations.