OPINION> Commentary
In true spirit of the Games
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-11 08:39

Just as the Olympic Charter says that the Games is not only about winning, but also about participating, we should cheer for both winners and losers who try their best, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. The following is an excerpt:

Surprises mingled with pity on the first competition day for the Chinese team as some won with new records and some failed under unbearable pressure.

Of course every one in a game wants to win, but to the millennium-old Olympics, winning is just a small part of its connotations.

Though we pursue to be higher, faster and stronger through the Games, what we care more about from the Games are participation, mutual understanding, friendship, unity and fairness.

Looking back, we should have been more tolerant with our athletes' errors in the Games. In 1988, Seoul, gym legend Li Ning's injury and loss were not excused by many Chinese spectators, who might have had too much anticipation after the country rejoined the Games.

Now, we have achieved great success economically, socially and culturally, and after joining in, competing for and experiencing numerous international games, compatriots have known much more about competitions' ideals.

Once Pierre de Coubertin said the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle; not to have conquered but to have fought well. Therefore, let's clap for all in the Games.

(China Daily 08/11/2008 page7)