“Before the start of the Games, there were a lot of doubts about Beijing’s ability to host the biggest sports extravaganza in the world - pollution, hygiene conditions, transport and spectators were all concerns,” Mr Fok said. “But at the end of the day, these people witnessed the most successful Olympic Games ever.”
With no screw up to criticise, the West has to resort to the old human rights theme again. So predictable.
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Final spectacular leaves crowds in state of wonder
Thousands gather to share one last Olympic moment
Zhuang Pinghui, Kristine Kwok, Jane Cai and Raymond Li
Aug 25, 2008
The ecstasy of the opening had dissipated but throughout Beijing last night the closing of the Olympic Games offered a few final dazzling moments for spectators to savour.
In Tiananmen Square, which was blocked off to the public on opening day, thousands of people arrived with family and friends to pose for photos in front of the countdown clock. When the fireworks erupted from Qianmen, south of the square, the excitement was palpable. The crowd looked to the sky in wonder, applauding and jumping. They hugged and kissed each other and took photos as the 20-minute display unfolded.
“It’s amazing. I’ll never forget this moment. My arms are sore after holding the mobile phone so long to record it. I’m proud to be Chinese,” 32-year-old Zhou Cheng said.
Gansu retiree Lu Xinxia, 55, wished it did not have to end. She and her husband were impressed with the level of order and service in the city, particularly the friendliness of the volunteers. “I do not want to say goodbye,” Ms Lu said.
Beijinger Shang Xiaoli, 22, felt that after seven years of preparation and more than a fortnight of competition, it was time to relax. “In all, the Games were successful. There were no big security problems.”
She had expected China to do well but wondered whether the final haul of 51 gold medals was too many, upsetting other countries. She also wondered how long the improvements in environment and etiquette, such as queuing, would last. “Maybe these good things will disappear after the Olympics because those old habits may come back.”
In Sanlitun, home to many of the capital’s busiest watering holes, hundreds of people milled outside a giant television screen to witness the final moments of the Games. People cheered when the Chinese team appeared, for the London bus and for David Beckham. From the crowd somebody shouted: “Welcome to London. You are all invited.”
Some said they preferred the closing ceremony because it was more energetic and uplifting.
For Qi Yacun, 28, a makeup artist for China Central Television, the ceremony showcased the Chinese spirit of always striving for the highest.
“The closing and opening were spectacular ... but what is more beautiful than the Olympic flame is the confident smile of the Chinese people,” Qi said.
He felt the British section of the closing ceremony was more personal but the Chinese elements showed more attention to detail.
Across town at Chaoyang Park - where the world’s best beach volleyball players had displayed their well-honed skills - at least 10,000 pairs of eyes were on the sky for the fireworks.
The prospect of sharing an Olympic moment with others lured Shanxi businessman Hu Jian, 32, out of his hotel room and into the park. His only regret was not buying tickets to an event before coming to the capital.
Retiree Huang Wenyun, 74, who watched the Games every day on television, suggested the event was a testament to China’s strength.
“The country has been through so many things this year ... If China was not the country it was, it couldn’t get through,” Mr Huang said.
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