Pausanias, who was a Greek writer about 2,000 years ago, has come on a magical journey on March
18th, 2007 to find out about the present-day Olympic games. He is now interviewing Li Yan, a
volunteer for the 2008 Olympic Games.
P: My name is Pausanias. I lived in what you call "Ancient Greece" and I used to write about
the Olympic Games a long time ago. I've come to your time to find out about the present-day
Olympic Games because I know that in 2004 they were held in my homeland. May I ask you some
question about the modern Olympics?
L: Good heavens! Have you really come from so long ago? But of course you can ask any
questions you like. What would you like to know?
P: How often do you hold your Games?
L: Every four years. There are two main sets of Games - the Winter and the Sammer Olympics,
and both are held every four years on a regular basis. The Winter Olympics are usually held
two years before the Summer Games. Only athletes who have reached the agreed standard
for their event will be admitted as competitors. They may come from anywhere in the world.
P: Winter Games? How can the runners enjoy competing in winter? And what about the horses?
L: Oh no! There are no running races or horse riding events. Instead there are competitions like
skiing and ice skating which need snow and ice. That's why they're called the Winter Olympics.
It's in the Summer Olympics that you have the running races, together with swimming, sailing
and all the team sports.
P: I see. Earlier you said that athletes are invited from all over the world. Do you mean the
Greek world? Our Greek cities used to compete against each other just for the honour of winning.
No other countries could join in, nor could slaves or women!
L: Nowadays any country can take part if their athletes are good enough. There are over 250
sports and each one has its own standard. Women are not only allowed, but play a very important
role in gymnastics, athletics, team sports and ...
P: Please wait a minute! All those events, all those countries and even women taking part!
Where are all the athletes housed?
L: For each Olympics, a special village is built for them to live in, a main reception building,
several stadiums for competitions, and a gymnasium as well.
P: That sounds very expensive. Does anyone want to host the Olympic Games?
L: As a matter of fact, every country wants the opportunity. It's a great responsibility but
also a great honour to be chosen. There's as much competition among countries to host the
Olympics as to win Olympic medals. The 2008 Olympics will be held in Beijing, China. Did
you know that?
P: Oh yes! You must be very proud.
L: Certainly. And after that the 2012 Olympics will be held in London. They have already
started planning for it. A new village for the athletes and all the stadiums will be
built to the east of London. New medals will be designed of course and ...
P: Did you say medals? So even the olive wreath has been replaced! Oh dear! Do you compete
for prize money too?
L: No, we don't. It's still all about being able to run faster, jump higher and throw
further. That's the motto of the Olympics, you know - "Swifter, Higher and Stronger."
P: Well, that's good news. How interesting! Thank you so much for your time.