QUESTION 1.
In terms of China's hosting its first Olympic Games in 2008 (by comparison, the US has hosted the Olympics eight times), what thoughts come to mind?
QUESTION 2.
Even though the "modern" Olympic Games has been around since 1896, from which time the US has participated in all but the boycotted 1980 Moscow Games and those cancelled due to the world wars, China's participation is relatively recent, beginning with the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Thus, while China's sporting history in the Olympics is a scant 24 years, it is already on the cusp of outperforming the US, which has led all competing nations in both gold and total medals ever since the demise of East Germany and the breakup of the former Soviet republics. What accounts for China's rapid ascension, and in your opinion, is this a good or bad thing?
QUESTION 3.
When we think of the countries besides the US with great sporting traditions, we might associate Australia with swimming, Cuba with baseball, Brazil with soccer, India and Pakistan with cricket, Kenya with distance running, etc. But in terms of strength across the board, only a small handful of countries -- say, the US, Russia, Germany, and China -- can legitimately claim to be a sporting superpower. What do you think is China's motivation for wanting to become such a superpower?
Articles-->
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-06-13-china-sports-schools-1a-cover_N.htm
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/11592789/site/21683474/print/1/displaymode/1098/
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1813961,00.html
http://www.china.org.cn/english/olympic/211765.htm
About Me
- Curt Hamakawa
- Associate Professor of Sport Management & Director of the Center for International Sport Business WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY
22 comments:
1) The thoughts that come to my mind are although the Olympics is basically a large competition of different sports (based on atheltes from different countries), for some reason politics are being associated with it. The US has boycotted Olympics before due to political situations however its different with China because the US is so tied to China, both politically and economically. Although many are calling for a boycott, its hard becausse China was chosen as a host country by the international Olympic commitee and although there are so many reasons why I could agree with a boycott (such as Darfur, Tibet, etc), as a sports fan I just want to see the games and experience what China is like. And to boycott these games, I think that not only cause spectators like us to lose out on this once in a lifetime opportunity but would also leave the US in a tough situation both politically and economically.
2) China's rapid ascension (as sited by the Time article) is due to its "sport factories" which just train athletes to be good in only one sport, with not much choice being allowed to the athlete over what sport and how they train. China also tries to train athletes in sports that recieve many medals such as track and field. They also give more funding to female sports because the Western world focuses on and funds them less. This whole practice is kinda sad to me because the athletes are not necessarily doing these sports for the love of the sport but because they are told by their country that they have to. It's like a machine in China and I think it is a bad thing because China only seems to want medals to gain respect and to help their country's pride.. not because their athletes love and have trained hard for these sports by their own choice.
3) I think China's motivation is that they want to be viewed as a superpower.. not only in political or economic terms but also regarding sports. I think they want to be dominant on all levels because it helps raise the pride that its citizens have in the People's Republic. It might also have to do with China wanting some respect from the rest of the world because the country was colonized and that has left an effect of the mindset of the Chinese. I think those reasons might be some of the Chinese's motivation.
Ashley . . . thanks for getting us off to a great start!
You mentioned politics, which actually is no stranger to sport . . . and especially the Olympics, going back to ancient times! In the modern era, Adolph Hitler used the 1936 Olympics in Berlin to propagandize the re-emergence of Germany from the ashes of WWI, and the virtues of the Nazi Party and the Third Reich. Throughout Olympic history, there are countless examples of politicization, but you raised an interesting point over some international calls to boycott the 2008 Olympics because of China's record on human rights abuses and support of the Sudanese government, given the ongoing genocides in Darfur. This question was raised -- and debated -- back in 2001 before Beijing was awarded the right to host the 2008 Olympics. I would love to hear from others about the pros and cons of awarding China these games.
As Ashley alluded, China's sport system is modeled after the old Soviet and East German systems, whereby children who were deemed talented and having potential in a particular sport were handpicked and placed in "sport schools." On the one hand, China's elite athletes are supported with government funding that is not available to American athletes, as well as those from many Western countries. On the other hand -- and as Ashley noted -- Chinese athletes are not entirely free to choose whether to pursue their sport or not, because of the extreme pressure to compete (and win!) for glory of country. Obviously, China is promoting these games to demonstrate not only its political system and emerging economy to rival the US as a legitimate global superpower, but also for nationalistic pride. Is this necessarily a bad thing? How would you feel if the US no longer reigned supreme at the Olympic Games, and was not even among the top three-to-five countries in terms of medals?
Ashley provided some great insights into these issues . . . how about others?
1.) When I think of China hosting the Olympic Games it brings to mind the fact that China has isolated itself for most of the countries history. Dating back to the opium war China has been weary of foreigners. Being a communist country, China hid itself from the rest of the world. The Chinese government did not want the people of China to see how the west was “operating” therefore they kept the country isolated. By hosting the Olympics it is almost like China’s coming out to the rest of the world. For years they have started to thrive economically but now it is their chance to show their culture and be shown other cultures. I think it is a great thing that China is hosting the 2008 games because now people all over the world will really be able to get a sense for a culture that is not as well known as others.
2.) The reason China has had a rapid ascension is because it has modeled it sports practices after the old Soviet Union. They are harsh and sometimes brutal on their athletes taking sports to the extreme. They start children when they are very young and if there is potential in the student they bring then them up through the ranks. The children do not have a say in what sport they will be participating in and to me that is almost upsetting. Unlike the U.S., the Chinese government funds their athletes in ways that most other countries do not. They pay for the expensive schools that train the athletes and teach that losing is not an option. I think they have a very different mentality then a lot of other countries and see sports as almost like a job instead of something that is supposed to be a fun challenge. I think that Chinas rapid growth in sports has both its positives and negatives. In one aspect it is good because they are showcasing what they can do and how well they are able to do it. But on the other hand it is almost not fair to the children who start out in these sports schools so young because they never have an opportunity to pick what sport they whish to participate in, or have a chance to be a normal child.
3.) I think China’s motivation for becoming a superpower is the fact that they have a lot of pride. Chinese culture is one that associates a great amount of pride to its people and for them, winning medals one way of showing that they deserve respect. I also think they want to prove themselves to the world as being able to keep up and thrive with the best. All of the biggest superpowers come to the Olympics to try and prove themselves. China, even though not a super power, wants to prove that they can be one at least in sports.
Another excellent post . . . this time by Lauren! Indeed, ever since normalization of diplomatic ties to the West in 1971, there has been a growing interest in and curiosity about China, but as Lauren said, the Olympics will be something of a coming-out party that proclaims to the world that China is a legitimate player in world affairs. The test, I believe, will be how the government handles any controversies that arise during the games (as surely there will be), as it remains to be seen whether China will show the heavy handedness of a state-controlled apparatus, or portray a softer, friendlier face of a new China. To some extent, China is taking a chance in hosting these Olympics because on the one hand -- and as Lauren pointed out -- it will be an opportunity to instill unparalleled national pride in its people, while at the same time exposing its countrymen and women to Western ideas and ideals . . . including highly cherished personal freedoms.
Keep up the great discussions!
1. I agree with Lauren and Ashley that China hosting the games brings thoughts of China coming out to the rest of the world and the many controversies that come with that. I also think that China being chosen to host the games is a huge effort by the Olympic Committee to unite China with the rest of the world. Since China is one of the oldest civilizations and the United States, one of the newest, it's a big step and another ego boost for China to finally host the games.
2. Again, China's near outperformance of the US is due to the excessive training and money given to those citizens who show promise in a sport. I think it's a good thing that China has quickly integrated itself into the Olympic Games by creating star athletes but I disagree with the tactics used to "produce" these athletes. I think it is a perfect example of how people in China are treated because of the Communist Government. I think it's wrong that the athlete's (especially in Cloud's case) have no say in what they do nor can they like anything other than what their trainers perscribe.
3. I think China wanting to be a sporting superpower is only another way for China to symbolize superiority. China, I believe, has a desire to be the best politically, economically, and any other way possible. I also don't believe that it is only the government with this strong sense of pride. I think the population (or a majority) has a strong sense of pride despite an oppressive government. China has already proved to be a superpower in many senses. The first thing I think of is the fact that almost all of the products we buy are "Made in China."
1.With all there economic and political problems I feel that the atmosphere between China and the United States is totally different. China is finally getting to hold there first Olympic Games. Which will take them out of isolation from the rest of the countries who compete in the Olympics. It is almost too there advantage because they fell to the United States in the medal count in 2004. This could be the China’s year to beat the US in medals. They have been around for a lot less time then the US, but have as many children as possible to attend Sports Schools. China is economically putting there money in training athletes for a world title but have places in China that could use the money more. I think that China should rethink how they use there money. Yes, it is a great deal to host the Olympics, but China should not be spending as much on there athletes as they are. In the past four years they have spent two times as much on there athletes compared to the US.
2.The reason that China is growing so fast in the sports world is because of there sport schools. If China did not have sports schools they would not be succeeding as fast as they are. China could be compared to the Soviet Republics and East Germany because they had the same type of schools. China has also modeled there sports schools after those two countries. I believe that this is a bad thing because China puts too much money into sports. They could use there money for other things. So what if your country wins the most medals at the Olympics. It glorifies that country for a little while and then it is forgotten about until the next Olympic Games. If China wins the most medals at the Olympics it would make them superior to other countries in the sports world and that is what China wants.
3.I believe that China’s motive to have great superpower is the glory that it would receive. If China wins the most medals at the Olympic it will be glorified not only by other countries but also by the media. This would make China superior to other countries and have other countries looked up to them. China would be the country to be at the next Olympic Games. This would also put them in the same category as better countries such as America, Australia, and Britain.
More great commentary . . . now we're really cookin'! It is interesting to note that the G-8 Summit is taking place this week in Hokkaido, and all eight major industrialized countries -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Great Britain, and USA -- have hosted the Olympic Games (some multiple times). While China is not a G-8 member, it is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council (along with the US, France, Great Britain, and Russia), and as everyone has said, China hopes to use these Olympic Games to burnish its global image. Jess and others are correct to note that China has a different sport system, because in the US, elite sport is the beneficiary of a vibrant, broadbased school-college system that is unparalleled in most of the world. Indeed, the majority of US (and quite a few foreign) Olympic athletes have been developed by NCAA member institutions. Amanda raised an interesting question whether China -- or any other country, for that matter -- should spend exorbitant sums on sport, versus allocating more money to health care, infrastructure, education, and the like. Also, is this rabid desire to win the most Olympic medals akin to the nuclear arms race of the Cold War era . . . that is to say, irrational?
QUESTION 1.
The first thought that comes to mind in China hosting its first Olympics ever is surprising because it is such a large country and since first participating in 1984 has had an impact on the Olympics. Since China has only been participating in the Olympics for 24 years as compared to the United States 118 years it is not a far reach for them to have only hosted one game compared to the US eight games. I do also believe though that in the past and present the Olympics are much more than a sporting event, it has a lot to do with politics as well. I agree with the previous posts of China finally reaching out to the rest of the world and uniting them with the other countries participating in the Olympic games. I believe that this is just a foot in the door for China to host many more Olympic games to come.
QUESTION 2.
China’s ascension is due to sports schools who training athletes from a very young age in just one sport alone. In the USAToday article they talked about a ten year old boy training for five hours a day. You can imagine at such a young age training that many hours a day any student would certainly excel in his or her own sport. Ten year olds in the United States do not nearly practice as many hours a day as the Chinese do. Not even high school athletes practice 5 hours daily. In the United States we are also often exposed to more than one sport which may prohibit us from excelling in one more than the other. As far as Olympic victories are concerned I believe that beginning to train athletes at a young age is a good thing and will produce more and more victories for China. I also believe it can be a bad thing. I feel that American Athletes may appreciate an Olympic victory much more than a Chinese athlete because of the way that we are taught and exposed to sports. I feel that American Athletes have more heart for the game and every athlete dreams of their chance to be in the Olympics and work extremely hard to get there and stay there; whereas the Chinese are trained their entire lives to do just that, they don’t know anything else and how much it means to other countries.
QUESTION 3.
I agree with Jessica’s response in that with the hosting of the Olympics and training athletes from such a young age to be so successful and win numerous gold medals in their 24 years of Olympic participation is just another way for China to be on top of the world. China is a powerhouse economically and politically and now strive to be on top in the sports front.
1)The first thing that comes to my mind with regards to China hosting for the first time is that, there has been alot done and alot of work put into making there first olympics a sucess and a place that will looked at to host again. How ever i also agree with what Whitney said about them hosting only being around for 24 years. I feel that in the last couple olympic games however China has become more of a force in some sports and making a name for themselves in sports. What do other think?
2)I believe that is due to the way other companies including china train there athletes and the programs available to them. In china people who have the desire and potential to be in the games, live and breath there sport, where as in the US we allow our athletes to have lives.. i think this is a way of life there so its good for them but here in the states i dont see this working.
3)I believe that china wanting to be a powerhouse is good and allows for the games to be fun and interesting with the outcome up in the air.This will draw more of an interest and following from others around the world.
1)The first thing that comes to my mind with regards to China hosting for the first time is that, there has been alot done and alot of work put into making there first olympics a sucess and a place that will looked at to host again. How ever i also agree with what Whitney said about them hosting only being around for 24 years. I feel that in the last couple olympic games however China has become more of a force in some sports and making a name for themselves in sports. What do other think?
2)I believe that is due to the way other countries including china train there athletes and the programs available to them. In china people who have the desire and potential to be in the games, live and breath there sport, where as in the US we allow our athletes to have lives.. i think this is a way of life there so its good for them but here in the states i dont see this working.
3)I believe that china wanting to be a powerhouse is good and allows for the games to be fun and interesting with the outcome up in the air.This will draw more of an interest and following from others around the world.
I agree with Whitney that the Olympics represent more than a sporting event. In fact, in reviving the Olympic Games in its modern form in 1896 (the Ancient Games ran from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D.), Coubertin espoused the importance of culture, education, and this notion of Olympism, in tandem with athletic competition. In fact, the Olympic creed, attributed to Coubertin, down plays the celebration of victory: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part; just as the most important thing in life is not the victory but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." How do you interpret Coubertin's statement?
I'm not sure I understand why American athletes might appreciate their victories more so than Chinese athletes . . . don't champion athletes, regardless of country/system, train equally hard in order to stand atop the podium at the Olympic Games? Somebody help me out . . . .
Bre suggests that China will eclipse the US in medals at these Olympics, and that besides, a strong competitor for the US would make things more interesting. What do others think?
I agree with pretty much everything that everyone has said,with the idea that these games are a way to really show the world what the chinese can accomplish. Also that these games especially are going to show that the games are not just about the sporting events.
Why American athletes might appreciate their victories more so than Chinese athletes?
I do not think it is a matter of appreciation of the victory because these athletes work acceptionally hard to participate at the level they do. I think it has more to do with the fact that many or most of the chinese atheletes are being forced to compete and have more pressure to do well in the games. If they do not do well who knows what the government can and will do. I think it may be the difference in the sense of accomplishment among the athletes. I feel as though the American athletes may feel more accomplished because not only are they competing for their country but for themselves, and many of the chinese athletes are not competing for themselves any longer just for their country.
It would definately make things more interesting if the Chinese out did the Americans at the games. It is one way that the Chinese can see themselves getting closer to becoming a world superpower.
Further to Jenn's point about athletes and medals, and the media's infatuation with the respective countries' tallies, it is a general trend that progressively, there is greater parity among competitors, and thus more countries are winning medals. Since the number of medal events is finite (302), however, the question is at which countries' expense does this democratization of medals come? Also, do you think it is more significant for a country that has never won a gold medal -- or any medal for that matter -- to win its first? Can you imagine that a first-time Olympic champion for a previously medal-less country would be a national icon, versus being just another one in the crowd for the more prodigious medal-producing countries?
#1
I think hosting the Olympics games will be great for the economy, but on the flipside worst for citizens. The reason why I say it might be worst for citizens is because many locals around Beijing think the Olympics will ruin the economy by increasing everything making inexpensive items more expensive. Many restaurant owners who market towards locals despise the Olympics and just want them to be over with because they have increased the price on many food items costing the restaurant owners more money. As for upper class restaurants, they are looking forward to the Olympics seeing how they mostly target expats (ex patriots), foreigners, and white collar workers. To tell you the truth, I agree with locals not liking what the government has done with the historic hutongs because everything is turning touristy and making everything seem artificial. I do enjoy the Olympics and I am really excited about what is going too happened in the next month. Hopefully I will be able to go to open ceremonies and experience what China has been working on for this time.
#2
The company I work for over in Beijing is China ClubFootball and what we try to do is to bring grassroots football to China. If a child takes an interest in a particular sport, they are shipped to a sports academy as what was said before and all they do is practice. The problem with this type of system is only a small percentage will go beyond the academy and will participate in higher competition. The approach of the academy seems like a good idea and all, but takes away the value of a sport – to have fun. The academy trains the player to go strictly by the rules, so let’s say I was playing on a soccer team against another Chinese team and I trip another player by accident. The Chinese player will become really offended and begin to show anger because he feels like Iyou did it on purpose. I think it is great how China is competing with USA because the better the teams are, the better the competition will be.
#3
China in terms of the Olympics has been training very hard for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The approach China is taking towards the Olympics is to excel in the sports that are not predominantly owned by a country. For example, the USA women’s softball team has been the best team for quite some time. Since China might not have the chance to beat the woman’s USA softball team, they decided to find small time sports or events that might not have a significant dominant country. This approached has worked recently because China is catching up to USA in gold medals. Who knows who will come out ahead of everyone else this year? I would not be surprised if China beats the USA in gold medals. Also, since China is hosting the Olympics this year, this would be a perfect opportunity to come out on top and show how hard they have worked to become a power house. As mentioned before, the Beijing 2008 Olympics are China’s coming out party. They want to show the rest of the world how much they have developed and what better way to do it than through the Olympics.
Great to hear from AJ -- our advance man in Beijing -- and getting the "street" perspective of what the locals think about the upcoming Olympics. Actually, these mixed reactions are not all that unusual, because any time an event of this magnitude is held, in addition to the pride it brings to the people and their nation, there are unprecedented crowds (in this case, in an already over-crowded city!), dislocations of people, disruptions of business, and a tremendous tax burden on its citizens. AJ raised an important point from a cultural/historical perspective . . . that the Beijing Olympics probably accelerated the demise of the hutongs, which are alley ways that tie together neighborhoods, which served to promote a sense of community in this mega city. (But not to worry, as I'm sure AJ will give us a personal tour of these fast-disappearing relics of ancient China!) On the topic of sport schools, do you think that this system creates a fast track for elite sport performance, versus the "evolution" model that takes decades, and even centuries, to develop high-caliber athletes and teams?
1. When I think about the Olympics being in China for the first time, I think about the culture that is being brought to the world that many people have not experienced. Especially with the country not only growing culturally, politically, and technologically, they are growing in competition and sports, of course. With all of the Chinese athletes coming to America to play a variety of sports, it is exciting to go to China to see where some incredible athletes call home. Recently I saw a commercial for the 2008 Olympics and the picture was of The Great Wall and the commentary said "This wall was built to keep the world out, but this august, we are welcoming the world in." WIth that commercial it just shows how much China has isolated itself, but now opening up to welcome new people on a large scale.
2. The rise of Chinese sport and competition, I think is because of the world's, and in particular America's, thirst for success. With China competing economically with America, I feel that they have to step their game up in sport as well. Also, Chinese people have so much respect for their country and themselves that I feel they have to work their hardest at their specific sport to do their best, and not let their country down.
3. China's want to become such a sport superpower is their constant competition in the economy with the world powerhouses, such as America, Russia, and Germany. So to go along with their economical rise, they need to compete with the sport powerhouses. They are trying to show that the Chinese have pride in their citizens and country. Since China is competing for power in the economy and politics, they want to show the rest of the world that they are not joking around and can compete with the best.
Marti, as have others, makes the point that sport is a powerful platform with which to promote a cause. Do you agree, and if so, why do you think this is the case? Can you think of an example where sport, or a specific team or athlete, served to uplift a nation's spirits?
Question
On the topic of sport schools, do you think that this system creates a fast track for elite sport performance, versus the "evolution" model that takes decades, and even centuries, to develop high-caliber athletes and teams?
In regards to the question above, I think the sports schools can provide high-caliber athletes and teams in a short period of time. The problem is the athletes might not have the same amount of experiance as an athlete that has been playing the sport their whole life. Walking down the streets of Beijing compared to walking down the streets of Boston is completly different in regards to sports. A child might be playing with a kite in Beijing rather than a child playing with a football in Boston. It seems that many children in Beijing do not grow up playing sports. They are too focused on school and recieving good grades because in China, it does not matter what you have done outside of the classroom, you are marked by your grades in school. In the end, the sports schools can develop outstanding athletes, but I believe the evolution model will always be the most effective way.
AJ's observations of grassroots sport in Beijing (i.e., virtual nonexistence of organized sport activity in the streets and parks) is interesting because of the contrast with life in America. In Brazil, of course, you would see soccer being played everywhere -- in the streets, beaches, and parks -- and at all hours of the day . . . and night. This is part of the fascination of traveling to other countries and being able to observe similarities and differences . . . and in the process learning about and obtaining a better understanding of other peoples' culture and traditions.
1) I feel that the IOC selects the city which has a best ability to handle the spectacle which is the Olympics. That being said the fact that this is the first Olympic games to be held in China I think is due to the fact that China does not have as many cities geered to tourism, unlike the US. In addition it is my belief that not every country tries to hold the Olympic games each time and thusly the US has likely attempted to hold the games more than Chinca has.
2) I think that China has become sussesful rapidly because they desire to show the world they are a powerful force in everything, encluding athletics. The government decides to put its efforts in a certain direction and are unrelenting. In adition the government trains the athletes and thusly everyone who is going to compete gets the best training that the country can offer. In contrast to in the US where athletes are left to their own to train for the following games if they wish. They can hire trainers or trainer themselves and then must beat out the rest of the field in the US to qualify.
3) China is a country obsessed with proing itself on an international scale. Since I've been born we have been told "China will be the next world power" and "China is the largest market in the world" and other such things and China seems to pride itself on being viewed this way and they wish to be the best in every facet of international affairs.
QUESTION 1.
The first thought that comes to mind is wow this must be huge for China. A country some big and so important to the worlds growth has never had an Olympics? The people over there must be so excited. Have they never bid before? It is easy to see how we have had eight before but for China to have 0 is unbelievable.
QUESTION 2.
Since the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles China has been increasing in competition. China’s rapid asecension has been prevelent just like China has been growing and achieveing, economically, socially, and globally in all aspects. I feel that China is trying to better the United States in everything that we do. It is a good and a bad thing. IN terms of sports a little competition never hurt anyone. It is the best of the best. Everyone always goes after the giant and someone is always looking and waiting to surpass the person (or country) that is number 1. We have always been NO. 1 in everything but it seems of lately that we can just put everything on cruise control, our politics, our athletes, and our economy. By doing that it allows other to “catch us napping” and get that one step closer. Then when we finally realize that the competition is on our back porch it is to late.
QUESTION 3.
I think it is there way of life and just how they think and want to achieve. They have strong morals and high goals in there culture. They tend to relate and work hard as a team and to stay as a team. If somebody falls the whole team lifts them up but not like America if someone falls here and they are on your team we see it as an oppertunity to take there spot and advace. There are few good people in America but it is nothing compared to the society of the Chinese.
I think that this is China's first Olympics as a host because of political factors. Also, i feel that the IOC could of been concerned that there would be backlash from sponsors and lack of tourism for the event.
I feel that China's rapid ascension is a good thing for China. Olympic medals can be a great moral boost for the public. I feel that they concentrate their athletes, train them starting at young ages and specialize activities to one sport, all are part of China's quick rise to prominence.
I think China want to become a superpower to prove that they are better than the rest of the world. I feel that they think they can gain respect from other countries through sports and hope that it will stimulate the economy as an effect.
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