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Full transcript of interview with Rogge(BOCOG)Updated: 2006-11-01 16:19 Q: We noted that, you know, in 2008, for 2008, you also have commented that you know, China is a very important country, and you wouldn't be surprised if China ranked at the top of the medal list. And you, do you think the number of the medals for the host country is very important for...? A: The quality of the whole team is definitely very important because we want, we want that the local population of the country feel happy about these athletes and we want the athletes to be successful. And however, this is a competition. And the other countries will want to win the medal too, so it's going to be very exciting to us. Q: You were, you were an athlete, right? From this point, tell us, would you tell us your personal expectation, for 2008, for China? A: Ah, you mean, in terms of...the ranking of the medals, (Q: The ranking, of course) A: Well, I think personally that China now will compete with the United States of America for the first place in the medal accounts. The Chinese athletes would on one hand feel the great support of the Chinese population. And they will feel that the whole nation is supporting them. What will be important is we will make sure that this support of the population does not translate into a negative pressure for the athletes. The athletes will have to learn to compete at home and a great expectation of the country. When you compete outside, it's quite easy because you compete, you know that your country is behind you, but, you know you are not in the middle of the crowds of your own country. You are in another place, so competing there is relatively easy. When you come at home, and you have to win, you have to have a very strong mind. I am quite sure (Q: That's right) A: that your coaches and the trainers will definitely work on that. Q: And at the same time, you have to be very nice to athletes from other countries. A: Absolutely. Q: Right. You have to show your hospitality. Right. A: Talk about...that would not be a problem. I am also sure the Chinese public will be a marvelous public and that the Chinese public will cheer and blow the performances of all the 202 national Olympic committees. There is no doubt about that. But when you are Chinese, and you know that the entire nation is expecting you to win gold, (Q: wow), this is the responsibility and pressure you have to be able to sustain, and to bear. I am sure your athletes will be able to do that. That will be an interesting preparation. Q: It's a very good advice. You know, in advance. I mean, who knows, in two years time, it could be tremendous, it could be huge. So big that you have to have a really, very tough mentality for the athletes, right? A: You train to win. Your coaches and trainers will definitely teach that to the athletes. Q: That (is) a very very good idea. But talking about the Beijing Olympic Games, I checked all the news reports and quotations about you. It seems to me that you don't have much worry or concern about the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Is that true? A: No. I have no concerns. Absolutely confident the preparation will be okay. What I am saying now to my Chinese friends is to stay focused to continue work very hard, not to be complacent, not to believe that everything is already done, and not to believe success will automatically be there. Success in sports and in life comes only after hard work and dedication. Nothing comes by accident.
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