(August 19)

(The author, associate professor of the University of Science and Technology of China)

Dana Hussein: China's day before yesterday

A group of pictures on the Internet over the Beijing Olympics showed that two of the Iraqi canoeists do not have formal Olympic kit and compete in their own clothes. Pretty Iraqi sprinter Dana Hussein wears a pair of shoes that she bought from a second-hand market.

The pictures remind the Chinese people of our "day before yesterday". One hundred years ago, China was poor and week. It wasn't until 1932 that the first Chinese athlete, Liu Changchun, appeared at the Olympics. The lonely Liu travelled more than a month before arriving in the US. He was so tired when he came to compete that he didn't qualify for the final.

We can't help thinking that if you don't have a prosperous nation you can never think about competing confidently at the Olympic Games. One athlete attending the Olympics showcased the unyielding will of a nation but it felt so painful.

Pak Hyon Suk: China's yesterday

After weightlifter Pak Hyon Suk from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea claimed the title of the 63kg event, she said, "Our failure in the past few days truly put me under great pressure. But once I thought about our general, Kim Jong Il, I overcame my fear and pressure. On my last lift I felt the general was watching me. It's this power that finally made me lift the weight."

Pak Hyon Suk of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea poses on the podium during the award ceremony for the women's 63 kg weightlifting event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 12, 2008. [Agencies]

Her words are so familiar but also strange to the Chinese. Yes, they are the words that the Chinese liked to say "yesterday". In those days, the athletes strongly worshipped their leaders and the sports events were given too much significance in terms of national honor.

The athletes felt the pressure and burden all the time. They never enjoyed the competition.

Liu Xiang: China's today

On August 18, 2008, the Olympic champion Liu Xiang ended his Beijing campaign unexpectedly. The look of pity, surprise and grief was on the faces of all the spectators.

Liu Xiang was unfortunate. His injury happened at the worst time. It was such a disappointment for him and the millions of Chinese watching. Liu Xiang is also fortunate. Most of the Chinese people understand him. They showed great empathy and tolerance towards him.

The Chinese showed that they are maturing. China's "today" is not only a great success in economic terms but also the overall improvement of the rationality of the national consciousness.

Matthew Emmons: China's tomorrow

American sharpshooter Matthew Emmons took the wrong target on his last shot during the Athens Olympics and rendered the gold medal from his pocket to the Chinese.

Matthew Emmons of US (L) is conforted by his wife Katerina after thefinal results of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games men's 50m Rifle 3 positions shooting event on August 17, 2008. [Agencies]

In Beijing, he only scored 4.4 on his last shot in the men's 50m rifle three positions final and handed the gold to the Chinese again.

Emmons accepted defeat very quickly. After a short adjustment of his mood, he went to the champion and gave him a big hug. He said, "Things happen, I mean we had three medals, I can't complain. (His wife had already won three Olympic medals) I must compete for another four more years. Now I think I have a reason." His wife also said, "We can have whatever we want now. The match is over."

What a great attitude. It's the best interpretation of the Olympic spirit. Never swell with pride when winning and never give up when losing. Enjoy the competition, play well and pray for your rivals. The sporting spirit of Emmons is the "tomorrow" that China is striding for.

http://lu-diqiu.blog.sohu.com/97651732.html