Just before the two-year countdown to the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and secretary of Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, spoke extensively about the Beijing Olympic Games to journalists from major media organizations in China.

The following are edited excerpts.

Everyone has their own understanding of "Olympics." As the president of BOCOG, what is your understanding of this term?

According to my understanding, the Olympic Games is an event with a great history, and is the most important and significant sports event in the world. At the same time, it is also a cultural event, drawing attention from billions of people.

The Olympic Games promotes peace, friendliness and progress, and reflects the expectations of all human beings. Its slogan "Higher, Faster and Stronger" encourages the development of people.

At present, the Olympics is the cultural activity that draws the biggest attention from people all over the world, and as for China, it has greater significance.

First of all, hosting the Olympic Games will help realize a century-old dream of Chinese people.

In 1908, a newspaper in Tianjin asked three questions when could we take part in the Olympics; when could we win a medal in the Games and when could we host an Olympic Games. Now, all these three questions have answers.

Secondly, China could take advantage of the great influence of the Olympics to demonstrate its profound culture that can be traced back 5,000 years and the remarkable achievements of modernization.

It is also the bridge that consolidates the friendship with people all over the world and a good opportunity to express our idea of "One World, One Dream."

As a person, what's your understanding of the Olympic Games?

The Olympic Games should not only be about the competitions, but part of the life of all people.

Sport can have positive effects on people's minds as well as fitness.

As the president of BOCOG, are you a fan of sports?

Yes, I like sports, but not because I'm the president of BOCOG. My interest in sports started when I was a student.

Now, I like playing tennis and mountain hiking.

You are very busy now. Do you have time for sports?

I think sport gives me a healthy body to cope with my busy schedule. I always manage to find time to do some sports. Sports can inspire the mind. For example, when you go hiking, if you give up when you are tired you will get nothing, but if you persevere, you will reach the peak. As for tennis, it is a learning process. If I make progress, I feel satisfied.

We saw a countdown clock on your desk, why did you put it in your office?

The deadline for the preparation of the Olympic Games cannot be changed, so all the work should be finished strictly on time. Looking at the countdown clock regularly can inspire me and let me know how many days are left. It constantly tells me when to start or finish a job.

We noticed that when we won the hosting bid for the 2008 Games, you wept. Why?

Since we lost the bidding in 1993, I felt much pressure in 2001. So when we succeeded, I was very moved and very happy.

Some people think that since winning the bid, you've always looked relaxed. Is this true?

They don't know the truth. Since the Olympic Games will have such a great impact, I feel great responsibility. If anything goes wrong, I will blame myself for not performing my duties. The more people care about it, the greater responsibility I feel. We cannot afford any mistakes.

When will you feel at ease?

Maybe by the end of September 2008, after the closing of the Paralympics.

If all goes well, how will you celebrate?

It's very simple just talk with others and recall details in the preparatory process together. I can hardly remember what we have done up to now, I feel it is unnecessary. All we should do is look ahead.

As the president of the organizing committee, how would you like to be remembered after the Games?

I would like people to remember us as a team, not for our personal efforts. We do the work as a team and all of us are members of the team. Maybe my contributions are a litter bigger, but I'm still part of the team.

(China Daily 08/08/2006 page5)