2008 Olympic Games - KOMU Coverage

Day 55 - An Extinguished Flame (Supplemental)

Hey Everyone!

Again, last night was such an amazing experience.  We left NIS for the last time and got to take pictures on the floor of the handball court.  I talked with our venue manager and he was saying how depressed he was now that the Games are over.  We're depressed, too, but I think for the Chinese it's much worse.  I would compare it to hosting a huge party.  This party has been seven years in the making.  They threw it well, but now there's the clean up - and nobody likes cleaning up after parties.  Seven years is a long time to wait and prepare for an event like the Olympics (well, maybe not as long as some workers would have liked).  There's still Paralympics that will be held in eleven days.  We even saw workers at our university placing placards up to show where traffic should go for the event.  Here are pictures and video of the last day!

Ted

Day 55 - An Extinguished Flame

Hey Everyone!

I can't believe it's been two weeks since we started...and now it's over!  The entire day was filled with "lasts" - last time to check into security, last time to walk on the Green and last time to enter NIS.

The Olympic News Service volunteers gathered at a local bar to watch the closing ceremonies live on a big screen projection.  It was incredibly awesome to watch it and be a part of it all.  I couldn't help but feel sad as this was the end to the Olympics and our volunteer experience.  It was also a celebration for our hard work the past two months.

So tired right now.  I'm going to bed but I'll post pictures and video from the last day tomorrow.  I feel like I've pushed so much to get as much as I can out of this experience and am really looking forward to some R and R.  It has been so worth it!!!!

Enjoy the Closing Ceremonies - amazing visuals and use of people.  As other news agencies have commented, Beijing has set a new standard for the Olympic celebration!

Ted

Day 54 - Women's Finals

Hey Everyone!

Saturday we worked again for women's handball.  We got to watch two matches including the gold medal match between Russia and Norway.  I didn't know too much about handball going into the competition, but after watching a couple of matches, I find it much more interesting.  I didn't realize how much each team scored during a game (sometimes getting as high as 30 points).  We didn't do to much at the press tribune so it was nice to be able to just sit and watch the games.  the rest of the day was spent trading pins and shopping at the super store.

Ted

Full Circle

As my mother has been finishing up her ritual summer cleaning, she came across this news article. I am pictured to the left; this was during my gymnastic days, as an aspiring 11-year-old gymnast. Competing in gymnastic competitions was my life, and I loved every minute of it!

As I mentioned in my very first blog post, as a young girl, Shannon Miller was my idol. When I was just two-years-old, my mother enrolled me in gymnastic classes. I loved gymnastics, and I looked forward to class every week!

Shannon Miller once said, “Love what you do, do what you love.” Even though my dream, as an 11-year-old, to become an Olympic gymnast didn’t come true, covering gymnastics during the Olympic Games is definitely the next best thing! I’ve come full circle, and it’s amazing for me to look back on this journey. It’s been better than I ever could have imagined.


Tonight is the closing ceremony, and I can’t believe the end is finally here. Time flies when you’re having fun! Since the next Olympic Games will take place in London, London 2012 will unveil its blueprint in the Beijing 2008 closing ceremony. I’ve heard it will combine the best of British rock, glamour, culture and sport. If it’s anything like the opening ceremony, it’s guarantied to be absolutely phenomenal! Rock legend Jimmy Page and singer Leona Lewis will perform a stunning new version of the Led Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love, while footballer David Beckham will also have a guest appearance!


Hope you enjoy! I know I will!

Sarah

Day 53 - Day Passes

Hey Everyone!

The Olympic Green has been off limits to only workers and spectators that have tickets for events that day.  Someone told me corporation pavilions and the Super Store said they weren't getting a lot of the actual Olympic spectators.  Within the past week, more and more people have been getting the opportunity to get on the Green using day passes.  It's been great to see so many people on the Green - it's really alive!  However, the crowds are sometimes difficult to manage.  For pin trading, it's great because there is "fresh meat" to trade pins with.  (We've become obsessed with the pins).

Friday we worked the upper press tribune.  There isn't as much traffic for the handball competitions, so much of our time is spent just watching the Games which is totally fine with me.  We got to see the men's semi finals.  It's pretty laid back compared to gymnastics.  I just feel lucky that I can watch some Olympic competitions.  The rest of the work schedule fills up the rest of the week.  We even work on the 24th, the last day of the Olympics!

Ted

Day 52 - Hello Handball

Hey Everyone!

Wow - the first day of handball was weird.  NIS is completely different... but not really.  Workers transformed the venue last night into a handball stage.  The broadcast mixed zone is completely gone and seats are now in its place.  The floor is a handball court and the press mixed zone is completely reorganized.  There was also a lot fewer people.  It's like gymnastics was a dream.  Things were completely changed and reorganized to the point of seeming like we weren't in the same building.  It was a rainy morning and it took a little longer to get to work.  We arrived at 9:ooAM and ended up sitting around for awhile.  The BOB (Beijing Olympic Broadcasting) group was practicing with the new camera setup.  Julie and I went down to the FOP (Field of Play) and asked the camera guy to get us on the jumbotron!  It was so cool!  Our job for the next few days will be to direct journalists to the press tribune to watch the handball matches.  We got to watch one match and then ended up leaving because they were overstaffed.  We walked around the Green and toured the Coca Cola pavilion.  The entire building was focused on how green the company was trying to be.  It was a neat display of ingenuity and creativity.  They also had a line to get your picture with the Olympic torch.  At night, a bunch of us went to Club Bud - the Budweiser pavilion - to party.  It was amazing to rub shoulders with athletes and hang out with other ONS people.

Ted

U.S. beats Brazil

I just had the most amazing night! I witnessed the U.S. win the Women’s Gold Medal Soccer Match, and I had front row seats! Carli Lloyd scored in the sixth minute of over time to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Brazil and the gold medal. After the game, I went to the USA House with all the athletes, and I also met Vince Vaughn! The USA House is set up mainly for U.S. athletes in Beijing during the Games. It helps promote the U.S. and its athletes. The USA House is located in a converted three-story restaurant with restaurant facilities that include menus inspired by a variety of great Chicago chefs. Enjoy the pictures…


Sarah

Day 51 - Farewell Gymnastics

Hey Everyone!

Today was our last official day as gymnastic volunteers.  The atmosphere was kind of like those end-of-the-year grade school parties where people are in good moods.  We showed up around noon and prepared to go to the press tribune.  The Gymnastics Gala was the only event scheduled today.  The stadium was transformed into a showcase stage with black lights and Chinese architecture.  The show was spectacular and included Beijing Olympic medalists and Chinese acrobats.  It was basically a "review" of the past two weeks.  After the show, we headed down to the floor and got pictures standing with the apparatuses!  It was SO cool to be on the floor.  However, it was bittersweet because workers were already taking down the stage in preparation for the handball events that would take place soon.  As we gathered our stuff in the ONS office, you couldn't help but get sad.  The bare room had been our home for the past month.  It didn't seem like it had been that long, but like Sally said, once the Games start things go really fast.  In true ONS tradition, the managers and sports information specialists clapped as we left the office.  It was an emotional day, but not the end.  Tomorrow is a brand new day starting early at 9AM: same venue but different sport and job.  I'll be working in the press tribune directing journalists.  It's going to be weird, though.  I'll be wanting to walk over to the ONS office, but a new group is taking over the flash quote reporting.  I'm looking forward to a new day and new job!

Ted

Day 50 - ONS wraps up

Hey Everyone!

Last night was our last official day of work for ONS!  We covered parallel bars, horizontal bar, balance beam and men's trampoline.  The competitions were amazing and it was great to see Jonathan Horton medal in the high bar.  Trampoline was the last apparatus.  I didn't even know it was a sport until now, but it's actually quite challenging.  It was sad as everyone was completing their final flash quotes.  I can't believe it's been so long since we've started working.  It feels like things have flown by.  I remember going stir crazy because we couldn't do enough work.  Now, it's almost over, but the experiences we've had will stay with me forever!

Ted

Shawn gets GOLD!!!

Shawn Johnson finally got her Olympic gold medal in the last event, the balance beam.

Shawn earned a 16.225 on her routine, which was full of difficult tricks. According to several newspaper articles, her grin was “wider than the 4-inch-wide beam she had just conquered.”

This week has just been full of excitement for me! The Mizzou students had the chance earlier this week to go to the Men’s 100m Final, which took place inside the Bird’s Nest. It was unbelievable witnessing Jamaica’s Usain Bolt win gold in the 100m, breaking the world record with his time of 9.69 seconds. No wonder his last name is Bolt!



The Olympic Green is full of people with Olympic Spirit! Check out the following pictures of this little boy who shaved his head like one of the Olympic mascots just for the Olympic Games…



During our stay in China, the media has become very fascinated with our volunteer work during the Olympic Games. Several Mizzou students have been interviewed. I was interviewed by the Shanghai Daily about my volunteer work with the Olympics and as Miss Missouri. Here is the article that was published…

(I wish I could translate this for you, but I can’t right now. I’ll have to ask one of the Chinese students.)

Here I am pictured with Ting, who interviewed me for the article.


I honestly cannot believe I am going back to the states next week! This trip has gone by incredibly too fast, so I’m going to try and savor every last moment that I have left in China!

Sarah

Day 49 - I May Look Asian...

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So I've been meaning to talk about something that's been quite the talk with my friends.  I'm Asian...no that's not it - but rather I don't speak Chinese.  All of the Chinese people I talk to say they first thought I was Chinese when they saw me.  I guess I can understand that because of my appearance.  I tell them I was born in Korea but was adopted to parents in the U.S.  It's very common for me to be waiting at the subway or walking around on the Green and having someone walk up to me speaking Chinese.  I shake my hand and say "Sorry!  English!"  The light bulb goes on in their head because the look on their face is priceless: first it's shocked, then it's embarrassed.  They laugh and back away.  It's pretty funny.  In fact, it happened 30 times today - we counted.  Jokingly, I asked one of my Chinese friends to make a sign that reads "I do not speak Chinese".  I put two holes in the paper so it can hang from my lanyard, but I haven't worn it around yet.  It's been the center of funny conversation, but I wish I could speak the language fluently.  I feel stuck in the middle between being Caucasian and Asian.  I've grown up in the U.S. all my life, but as corny as it sounds, I feel a connection with the people here - maybe because they look like me.  I don't know, but it's been great being here.

Ted

Day 48 - Compare and Contrast

Hey Everyone!

Today we didn't have to go to NIS until 16:00 - it felt so weird walking to work as the sun was preparing to set.  Men's floor and pommel horse along with women's floor and vault were on the docket today.  It was a very confusing shift because we were separated into groups working the different apparatuses.  I worked men's pommel horse and stationed myself with NBC Sports.  I also got an interview with the BBC crew.  It was crazier than a circus in the broadcast mixed zone.  There is limited space and NBC is at the end of a small passageway.  To get to the NBC box, you have to finagle your way through light stands, tripods and people.  It's quite a tight squeeze!

I realized how much the Olympics is a contrast between the extremely happy and extremely disappointed.  One Chinese athlete that did not place in the floor exercise was interviewed on the in-house video system.  She fought back tears as she gave the interview, while behind her, the medal ceremony was taking place.  There, the happiest gymnasts stood beaming from ear to ear.  One woman competing in wrestling lost the match.  So distraught, she laid face down on the floor and wouldn't move even after the officials tried to drag her off the mat.  Finally, as she was walked off the floor, the winner raised her hands in victory in the foreground.  It's quite a contrast, but that's what the Olympics is all about.  Some win and others lose in the Olympic rapids of competition.

Ted

Day 48- An Olympic Dream Come True

Today I went two hours northeast of Beijing to the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park. The bus ride was long, but I met some fun Canadians along the way.

I'm born and raised in Montreal, but haven't managed to meet any "Montrealais" yet. All have been from Toronto and Calgary.

There were several events at the rowing park today, most included either Team USA or Team Canada. Both teams did very, very well! Each picked up at least two medals at today's rowing events.

The Canadian 8-man rowing team was favored to win Gold, so the Canadian section was excited to see the event. The American 8-woman rowing team was favored to win Gold as well. Canadians in particular had been excited for this event because we didn't have ANY medals before Saturday rolled around!

At the venue, I met some Canadians from Toronto. They were really nice and we all flew our Canadian flags when the teams rowed by us. We were in a larger group of fans from Great Britain. Unfortunately, there weren't any fans in our section from the USA, or many on our side of the stadium for that matter!

Team Canada's men scullers took off and had a great lead time. They were almost a full 3/4 boat length ahead of the American team. Great Britain was coming in a close second, but Canada stayed strong. All of the fans were cheering so loud. As the teams got closer to the finish line, the Americans got a second wind and hauled full-speed ahead. We all had our eyes glued to the scoreboard and television monitors. Canadians were in a similar position in Athens, but lost any medal hopes in the last seconds.

The race finished. In the distance, the Union Jack, the Stars and Stripes and the Maple Leaf were all being waved back and forth. We knew which teams were going to get medals, but who was first? Who pulled it off? Then silence. The time was flashed up on the scoreboard. "Team Canada: 5:23:89"...

...then a ROAR from the Canadian cheering section. GOLD FOR CANADA!!!

It was a surreal and unique moment for each of us. Although some were in their 60's and some as young 6 years old, none of us had ever witnessed our country win a Gold medal! It was so exciting... I can't imagine what it's like for the Rowers!!!

We decided to head towards the flag poles and medal podiums. We had to see the ceremonies up close! We waited for almost 30 minutes, but our time came.

In Women's 8-person rowing, the Americans won Gold! I sang the US anthem, but got confused with some verses. It was actually the first time I had tried singing it. (An it was at an Olympic Event!)

Earlier in the day, Great Britain won a Gold, so I also was able to sing "God Save the Queen." Some lady saw me sing all three and asked how many more anthems I knew... I laughed and told her those were the only three I knew. I lucked out!!!

After the American anthem, the stage was all for Canada! We were so excited for the moment we could all sing "Oh Canada!" The medals for the men's event were awarded and the flags were brought out. The music started and we all burst out in song! It will be one of the most memorable moments in my life. It was on my "bucket list." I always wanted to sing the Canadian National Anthem at an Olympic event. I got my chance. That is what the Olympics are all about! Making dreams come true.

I highly suggest you all try it sometime. WOW! Still excited about it!

USA is ranked 1st for medals. Total: 65; Gold: 19; Silver: 21; Bronze: 25. WAY TO GO TEAM USA!!!!

Canada is ranked 17th for medals. Total: 7; Gold: 2, Silver: 1; Bronze:4.

Mark

Day 47 - World Records

Hey Everyone!

Fellow bloggers back me up!

9.69 seconds - that's the new world record for the 100 meter dash. Jamaican Usain Bolt did exactly what his name promised... he bolted across the finish line in record time - and we were there! BOCOG gave us tickets to the athletics competition this evening - including what some say is the most watched event at the Olympics. The Bird's Nest was amazing. Like my friend Julie said: you can't truly experience the Olympics until you set foot inside National Stadium. It has not totally sunk in yet - what we saw. The evening started at 7PM and we got to see women's heptathlon and shot put finals. The main event was the 100 meter dash which was scheduled last in the evening around 10:30.

The stage was set with a special montage and entrance music. The athletes got into position and the crowd - screaming and talking throughout the night - dropped the volume to almost whispers. The anticipation was almost too much to handle. The gun exploded. With it, hundreds of photo flashes went off like a sparkling wave across the stadium. People cheered and the stadium was alive. One athlete pulled out from the pack. At 9.69 seconds, Bolt crossed the line - a new world record! Even before he crossed the line, he was already celebrating with his hands outstretched. It was over so fast that it took a second to see who had won. Bolt was overjoyed and made a victory lap - first embracing his friends and family and then addressing the crowd. With his shoes in hand and flag around his back, he embraced the new record as the world's fastest man.

Back in the stands, we all were going crazy. We had just witnessed history and couldn't believe we were present for a new world record. The atmosphere in the stadium was in full party mode. People were cheering and music blasted from the surround sound speakers throughout the stadium. Some people said that at these Olympics in Beijing no records would be broken. I'm wondering what they're thinking now.

Speaking of records: we watched Michael Phelps win his 7th gold this morning in the ONS office. We were all huddled around the television. The race was incredible! There was a moment of doubt at that photo finish, but when the scores came up and he had won by just a tenth of a second, the whole office went crazy!

Here in Beijing, it's Olympic mania. Almost everyone you meet has something Olympic. Every TV in every store and bar has the Olympics running. Even now, the TV in our room is tuned to CCTV 1 showing a handball match. It's Olympics 24/7 - something I've always wanted to experience.

Ted

Day 46 - Pin Culture

Hey Everyone!

Today was probably the most perfect day outside since we arrived.  It had rained for almost two days straight, but we were rewarded with a sunny Friday.  Sarah did a great job describing what a lot of us having been going through these past few days.  I can't believe I've been a part of this enormous story.  It never really hits me until I'm sitting in the stands.  I'll be watching the big screen television and then realize it's happening LIVE right in front of me!  I usually watch it at home religiously (I used 16 VHS tapes in 2006!) and now, it's an entirely new experience.

Speaking of experiences: today, we went around the Green and ventured north to the super store.  It is HUGE!  You name it, they have it and more.  THOUSANDS of pins to buy!  For the most part, people want to trade the Missouri pins, but sometimes, they just don't like it.  It happens most to non-Chinese people.  Some people will physically try and take your pin from your lanyard!  It's so fun to try and trade with people...you start to only look chest-level and ignore people's faces.  We have entire strategies to get pins and it's always fun to see what new pins people got throughout the day.  The most sought after ones: a Samsung pin that has a phone on it that actually slides open and closed.  NBC pins are extremely valuable, too!  It's an entire culture during the Olympics - and you have to learn the language if you want to collect!  Check out some pins on my lanyard in the picture!

Ted

Nastia Liukin takes GOLD!!!

The atmosphere inside the National Indoor Stadium has been so exciting this week. It’s hard for me to describe it in words! This week we covered the Women’s Team All-Around Finals. China was America’s main competition. After vault, the U.S. Team was ahead. Both the U.S. and China had solid bar routines. But when the teams began competing on beam and China’s best girl fell, I thought the U.S. possibly had a chance to win the gold. However, you could have heard a pen drop when Alicia Sacramento, the first U.S. gymnast to perform on beam, fell off while mounting the beam! I felt so bad for her! Then she fell again on the floor! My eyes started filling up with tears, and, of course, as a professional journalist, I had to hold it inside. It’s just so emotional feeling so bad for this young girl, but also feeling so proud of the U.S. while they where receiving their silver medals. I couldn’t believe, at that moment, I was actually at the Olympics and watching the presentation of the medals and the flags!

Being in the broadcast mixed zone with NBC was incredible as well! I was able to see an NBC reporter in action, asking the girls questions, which was their first interview after competition.

That night a group of Mizzou students decided to go to the Today Show, where I met Matt, Meredith, Ann, and Al! The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team was on set that day, and I loved watching Meredith interview the girls.

Today was the Women’s Individual Competition. And as you’ve probably heard, Nastia Liukin won the gold, while Shawn Johnson came in a close second. There was so much talk about Shawn winning the gold, but Nastia nailed her unbelievably difficult bar and beam routines putting her in first place.

I was overwhelmed with excitement and overjoyed to watch the victory ceremony. While our national anthem was playing, I felt so touched. This is an unbelievable moment that I wish I could share with all of you. Nothing compares to actually witnessing this event. Again, I was holding back tears of joy; however, when I saw Meredith Vieira crying as well, I didn’t feel so bad. Working in the NIS is amazing, and I feel so fortunate and honored to have this unbelievable opportunity!

Sarah

Day 45 - Rain on the Beach

Hey Everyone!

Today was the men's final for all-around.  We got to work around 9AM for the 11AM start time and got our seats in the press tribune.  It was another great competition as we watched China's superstar, Yang Wei, perform.  The U.S. team did very well, too, but not enough to place.  By the time everything was done, it was raining out - pouring actually.  The media entrance by our ONS office was buzzing with international reporters putting on bright pink ponchos and waiting for their rides.  It was a privilege to meet Richard Engel, NBC's international reporter often seen in Iraq (and basically anywhere that is really dangerous).  We got some ponchos and headed out after we were done putting our quotes into the computer.  Three of us headed to the beach volleyball venue - remember that day we stood in line for 5 hours getting tickets?  Despite the rain, we felt it would be a waste if we didn't at least go.

There was hardly anyone in the stadium, but we held onto our ponchos and umbrellas and watched four matches.  We got to see the U.S. men play an incredible match!  It was the first time we were able to cheer because we weren't working.  It kind of felt weird doing it, too!  The rain let up eventually and we were able to just enjoy the evening.  It was actually cool and felt like an October evening.  Unfortunately, both times we've come to beach volleyball, it's been raining.  I guess we weren't meant to see beach volleyball the stereotypical "sunny" way.

Today Show - August 13, 2008

More Today Show Appearances from Jen Reeves on Vimeo.

Mark and Sarah made appearances on the Today Show! I tried to get this online yesterday but other KOMU jobs got into the way. Anyway. You can see Mark OBVIOUSLY waving a KOMU sign and a Canadian flag!! I didn't get to add arrows, but the next shot you can see Sarah right under the time graphics. After that, you can see Sarah in the middle to the right as the anchors talk to a person from Chicago. There are a couple of other Mark and Sarah shots as well. Enjoy!

Going for Gold!

Tonight, fate intervened in my life.

Tonight, I decided I wanted to go watch Swimming at the Water Cube, but accidentally ran into Brian William's assistant instead. I explained that I report for KOMU (an NBC affiliate) and asked her if she could get me a ticket to the Today Show. She had one in her hand and told me I could have it and to have fun. It just so happened other Mizzou students were there, so I met up with Sarah and Paige and we waited for almost two hours for the show to start.

I wanted to share one experience that I had at the Today Show this evening, but first a bit of background. I went to South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C. At the time, my high school had an outstanding swimmer. His name was Ricky Berens. Everyone in Charlotte knows Ricky's name, he's a great guy and has an amazing reputation as a swimmer. Anyways, Ricky graduated the year after me and I found out he went to U-Texas at Austin and pursued swimming.

Well today, Ricky and the Team USA 200-meter freestyle relay team set a World Record and won Gold Medals at the Water Cube. I was working at the Field Hockey venue and had a chance to catch a glimpse of the race...needless to say, I was screaming at the screen! The Chinese people around me thought I was crazy for yelling that "I know him! I went to high school with him! I know his sister too!"

I can't explain how excited I am for Ricky and his family!

Well, if you watched the Today Show this morning, you saw Matt Lauer interview Ricky. I couldn't believe, of all days, I was there the day Ricky was interviewed! As soon as he appeared on the set, I wasn't sure if I would say hi since it's been almost 4 years since I last saw him. I decided to go and say hi, even if I would awkwardly explain that we went to high school, in case he didn't recognize me. As I walked over to the set, Team USA supporters chanted his name, took pictures and requested autographs. When I managed to get over to his area, I yelled out "RICKY!". Luckily, and to my relief, he remembered me. Not only did he recognize me, he knew who I was! He came over and I congratulated him over and over again, and said how proud I am to say I know him. We chatted for a bit, and I answered "So what exactly are you doing in Beijing?"

After his interview with Matt, Ricky came over one more time and I asked to take a picture with him. You can see the picture above. What you can't see is what happened moments before that picture was taken. Ricky let me HOLD HIS GOLD MEDAL!! I can't even describe how awesome it was! I couldn't believe I had an Olympic Gold Medal in my hands! (Although it was still attached to his neck!) It wasn't too heavy, was embossed with the Olympic logo and had jade set in the other side. It was so awesome, I can't say it enough.

If you couldn't tell, I'm still excited about my adventure over to the Olympic Green today. There are tons of more stories to share, but this is the story about one event that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

I could've decided to stay home and watch events on TV; I could've bought a ticket for the Water Cube; I could've walked past Brian Williams' assistant...but instead, fate intervened.

Mark

Day 44 - Silver and Gold

Hey Everyone!

I'm finally getting a break from the incredible work and leisure schedule these past 24 hours.  Last night, four of us went to the Worker's Stadium - a venue southeast of the Olympic Green.  After we got off work yesterday, we went straight to the venue to watch two games of Women's Soccer - Brazil vs. Nigeria and Sweden vs. Canada.  The Brazilian women were great to watch and the three scores the team pumped out were all done by the same woman.  We were seated high in the stands and had a good view of the field.  There was a 45-minute break in between games and we got some food - popcorn, chips and snickers bars.  The venue food is very cheap, but it's not the healthiest.  I got a drink and candy bar for little over a dollar.  In the U.S., it would have cost at least $5.  The second game was more intense.  We had Canada fans to our left and Sweden fans to our right.  Every time the ball got close to the goal, everyone started screaming.  I had never been to a professional soccer game before.  Goal-scoring was probably the highlight of the evening.  The whole stadium erupted with cheers.

Today, I went to the NIS and observed the women's team final competition.  It was, again, an intense competition.  Tenths and hundredths of a point were crucial.  I kept watching the big monitor and then looking down at the actual competition live and couldn't believe I was there!  All of the ONS reporters sit up in the press tribune (boxes in the stands) during the competitions.

The competition was great today - still in awe of it all!

Ted 

Day 43 - Men's Team Final - Victory!

Hey Everyone!

Today was Men's Team Final for gymnastics.  We got to work at 8AM and prepared for the day.  We had some extra time after looking up info on our athletes and a few of us went over to the McDonalds on the Green.  I was CRAVING a hash brown and was dying for an excuse to go over and get one.  After our fix, we headed to the press tribune to watch the events.  The entire day was incredible.  As you all probably saw on television, the men did a wonderful job!  The last few rotations, the tension really started to build.  At this time, we were all heading to our positions for the interviews.  I headed to the broadcast mixed zone and got to watch the men compete on the pommel horse - about 20 feet away!  When the U.S. team had finished and realized they just got the bronze metal, every single one of them went crazy including the coaches.  It was a neat moment.  The medal ceremony followed soon after.

Visit http://www.nbcolympics.com/gymnastics/news/nesid=199300.html#gymnasts+rally+bronze to see the interview in the mixed zone.  I was literally inches from the camera and just a foot away from the athletes as they talked with Andrea.  So coo!

I have to say that watching the medal ceremony was probably one of the coolest things I've seen during these Games.  True, the U.S. did not win gold, but it was the atmosphere and nuances that made it so spectacular.  The athletes cleared the floor and the podiums were set.  The winning teams walked into a screaming stadium.  The Chinese, with the gold, had the most supporters in the house and they were going wild.  Set to dramatic/movie score music, the presenters handed out the bronze to the U.S.  The Japanese came forward to receive the silver and shook the hands of the U.S. team.  The Chinese walked up last and shook hands with the U.S. and Japanese teams.  This was a special moment.  Many local Chinese I've talked to say the Japanese aren't their closest friends - but here, they were joined through sport and had put that behind them.  Both teams seemed amiable.  The final announcement over the PA proclaiming China as the champion caused an immediate eruption from the crowd.  Camera flashes went off like confetti all around me.  It was like one of those endings to a Hollywood sports movie.  As the Chinese national anthem played and the flags were raised, I couldn't help but get shivers at what I was witnessing.  The U.S. men's team suffered the loss of two valuable players (Morgan and Paul Hamm), but they were able to surprise everyone and rise to the challenge.  The Chinese were infinitely proud of this moment as well - and it showed.  This truly was an Olympic moment.

Ted

Look who was on the Today Show!

I thought I'd post a portion of the Today Show with the Beijing group showing off some pride:


Mizzou Pride at the Today Show from Jen Reeves on Vimeo.

-Jen Reeves
komu.com New Media Director

Day 42 - The "Tonight" Show

Hey Everyone!

Man, it was an incredible day today - but what can you expect when you're in China for the Olympics?  This morning we went to Beach Volleyball qualifications bought by BOCOG.  It was a really pleasant surprise!  We arrived early to make the 9AM start time.  The sky was dark.  Officials were handing out ponchos - and about half an hour in, we needed them.  It didn't really rain too hard, and most of us were so into the matches anyway it didn't matter.  It was a really awesome venue and the DJ did a pretty good job at getting everyone rowdy.  Random 80's dance music would cut in between each point.

 The Chinese "cheer" Lynette was talking about in an earlier blog post was resounding throughout the morning.  We got to see Latvia and Argentina play in addition to three other matches.  The Chinese women were especially fun to watch because the crowd was really into it.  I got my hands on some "thunder sticks" (with help from Shawna!) which helped me cheer and blend in with the crowd.

In the evening, we headed to the Green to be in the crowd for the Today show...or should I say Tonight show.  Due to time zone changes, the morning show is done live at 7PM here to be shown live 7AM on the east coast.  It was SO cool to be there.  I called home and told my mom to watch it.  They took several bump shots - shots in and out of commercial break - of the crowd and many of the interviews done with athletes were done with the Mizzou crew in the background.  Al Roaker even mentioned Mizzou before a weathercast!  The talent came down to say hi during breaks and we got some great pictures.  

Everyone was really nice and appreciative we were there.  We also saw Cullen Jones and Sarah Brightman do some interviews and watched the Today Show crew try their hands at noodle-making.  It was an amazing evening.  Anne Curry spoke to us off the cuff during a break and told us journalism students some really great things.  She said that journalism is alive and it is only as good as the people that are doing it.  Fame isn't great - but it can help you do great things and help other people.  I think that that was one of the coolest things of the evening - getting to hear Anne speak.  It was totally in the moment and she was just seemed down to earth.  It's probably easy to just hate coming to see the mobs of people that just want to take pictures and get autographs.  Everyone, however, was genuinely happy to see us - something I'll always remember.

Ted

Where are the fans?

Sitting in the press tribune tonight, I was quite disappointed with what I saw. I loved the field hockey matches. On pitch one, I got the pleasure of seeing the USA score the equalizer against heavy-favorite Argentina with just over five minutes to play. During the second game, Germany put on a clinic scoring five times and holding Great Britain to just one goal. What I was disappointed with is what I saw in the stands... a very small crowd.

Now I am sure tomorrow's newspaper will claim the consistent rain kept fans from the opening day of field hockey. I guess I will say that was part of the problem, but after talking with my dad who has been watching the Games religiously, he said unfilled seats are also present at beach volleyball and even gymnastics. For the record, gymnastics is not affected by rain. It's not the weather that is keeping people away, it is the ticket price.

Ticket prices for games are relatively reasonable. Rhythmic gymnastics for example sell at face value at around 30 bucks. Beach volleyball tickets are less than 5 and baseball is a whole $7.50. All the tickets are sold out, but why are the venues not filled. This is because scalpers believe the tickets are worth way more than they are. For example last night I received an email from a guy telling me he wanted 10,000 RMB for 2 semifinal baseball tickets. That is roughly $1,500. That is more than I would pay for Super Bowl tickets. So how do we get rid of scalpers that ruin the game and cause poor attendance at Olympics events?

I would like to propose the Lothrop Plan. For those in charge of the Vancouver Games in 2010 and London in 2012, feel free to further contact me about this theory. I will be more than happy to guide you. The plan is a hybrid model of Haymarket Park in Lincoln and the idea of Will Call. Here is how it would work. All tickets would be sold by will call. You could either order on line, in person, or by phone. However you would not be able to pick up the tickets until 72 hours before the event. This would cut down on the people buying the tickets and immediately reselling them. They would not have them in hand until 3 days before the event.

The second part of my plan is that if the tickets have not been claimed 3 hours before the game, they are resold at face value to the general public. Think of it this way, you could charge the face value to both the initial ticket purchaser and the guy who is actually going to the game. An empty seat and a full seat cost about the same to heat and cool. Also a full seat usually buys popcorn, soda, candy, pretzels, t-shirts, hats and programs. Also full venues make it at least look as if the locals care about the sport.

This plan is still in it's infancy stage as there are many ways it could be improved. But think about it, all the things we would like to see would happen. Those fanatics who want to go to the games could buy them weeks in advance and pick them up 3 days before the competition. Also casual fans could pick up a cheap ticket. Vendors could sell more Snickers bars. And most importantly in my mind, we could eliminate scalpers.

Cheers,
-Matt

Day 41 - Thunder and Rain

Hey Everyone!

Today was another full day at the NIS.  Thunderstorms exploded overhead while we worked inside.  I got to work early to watch the U.S. Women's team compete.  Later, I interviewed some German athletes during the third subdivision.  There wasn't anyone in the broadcast mixed zone that spoke English (NBC, BBC, CBC not working at the time) so I helped out in the press mixed zone.  After work, Ashley and I stopped in one of the sponsor pavilions.  The Omega pavilion - the official timekeepers of the Games - had a store devoted to showing the history of their time pieces and the intricate detail that it takes to make one of the watches.  Much of their handiwork could only be seen with magnification.  It was really interesting.  I'm hoping to stop by the other pavilions tomorrow.  The atmosphere on the Green has really changed.  Throughout the sponsor pavilion corridor, there are live bands and dancers.  Last night, a Japanese group was doing a traditional dance.  Today, a Chinese group was trying to do a Spanish song.  There's also CocaCola, Samsung and Adidas pavilions - just to name a few.  I hope they give out some freebees!  Tomorrow evening, we're going to the Today Show on the Green.  Tune into the show Monday morning and maybe you'll see us if we can make it out there!

Ted

Day 40 - The Opening Ceremonies - A Local Perspective

Hey Everyone!

Wow - it has been a whirlwind these past 48 hours.  Last night, I got to bed around 2:45AM and was up at 8 ready for work.  This is the first chance I've had to reflect on the past few days.  Here's what's been going on...

August 8th, I left the hotel at 12:30 to get to the Olympic Green.  I wasn't sure how bad the traffic was going to be and I wanted to get some footage around the area.  Security was the highest I've ever seen it and I ended up having to walk to the Green - we've always taken the bus.  I must have passed through five checkpoints before I was even CLOSE to the Green.  It was funny, I wasn't quite sure how many levels of clearance I had every time I approached a checkpoint.  I pretended I knew what I was doing and walked briskly through.  When I was

 stopped, I tried to reason, but it doesn't help when the police officer doesn't speak English...and he thinks you speak Chinese.  I walked around for awhile and finally ended up getting to the entrance around 4:00PM!  I was dehydrated and tired from walking so long and being rejected by the guards.

At the NIS, we met journalists that had come to interview the athletes pre-Opening Ceremonies.  The NIS was the staging area for all the athletes before the Parade of Nations.  I went outside and watched the start of the Opening Ceremony with a bunch of volunteers on the Olympic Green.  

About two hours before the ceremony, people started pouring in.  I can only describe it as an international gathering and melting pot of countries from all over.  Everyone was in a party mood and we took the opportunity to take pictures with as many people as we could.  It was a mutual sharing of photos and there never seemed to be enough people to take the pictures!

There were monitors set up...but they were not showing what was happening inside!  I was disapointed, but many of us made a pact that if it came to that, we would want to say we were there in person.  We could watch it whenever we wanted to.

I got to see the drummers line up for the opening portion of the performance and got some pictures with the actors.  They were all very popular!  Then, we gathered around the large chute that was set up for the athletes to send them into the stadium for the Parade of Nations.  It was incredible seeing all the countries go by.  The Chinese people were feeding off the athletes when they responded to their cheers.  It was one surprise after another.

By

 the time 11:30PM rolled around, we were getting tired.  Many of us wanted to stick it out to watch the flame.  Close to midnight, the cauldron was illuminated and without hesitation, it was lit in a bright flash.  Fireworks followed in a cornucopia of colors and shapes.  One formation was in the Olympic rings.  Not only were they shot off by the stadium, but down the entire Green.  The sky was literally filled with fireworks and we were surrounded!  It was one of the best shows I've seen!  As an extra treat,

 fireworks continued to go off as we headed to the subway - conviently, they were in the same

 direction!  Words cannot describe the evening...here's a better attempt.  (waiting for the fireworks)

Today was our first day on the Olympic Green during the Games.  Seeing the flame watching over us was very cool!  We entered the NIS and got ready for our first round of competitions.  I worked with the NBC Sports people - national.  We interviewed all of the men's team after competition in subdivision 1.  When you see the interviews with them, I'm standing literally inches from them scribbling down quotes.  It was so much fun!  I stuck around for the other subdivisions throughout the day helping out and

 observing the competition.  

I also heard today there was a murder near the Drum Tower.  That is located in Ho Hai - an area we visited awhile back - the place with the rickshaws.  It is very sad to hear about the incident.  Haven't heard too much about that here locally.  (Drum Tower performance weeks before)

Will try to keep you updated on this incredible journey.  Hope you enjoyed the start to the Games!  Thank you to all for checking out this blog - I hope it can help you see another side of China.

Ted

Fire in the sky!

I'm sure you've all seen the coverage! The Games of the XXIX Olympiad are off to a great start! I uploaded my video from last night. The fireworks were out of this world, but could you expect any less from the people who invented them?

I'm sorry the video is shaky, I was a little excited at the time--there are a couple of shots where you'll tell I didn't know where to look!

Just a few points of reference. At the beginning, you'll see the faint light from the torch being lit, a few seconds later, the fireworks begin! Most of them are shot off from the east side of the Olympic Green, some others from the south. At the end of the video, a parting shot of fireworks at Tien'anmen Square.

Enjoy!

Mark

8/8/08

The opening ceremonies went beautifully. Lauren Wooldridge, my friend and Mizzou student, is currently writing for STLToday.com during our stay in China. She was invited to watch the opening ceremonies at Club Bud, and she invited some of the Mizzou students to join her. The Budweiser company and Beijing Games sponsor opened its largest Olympic party venue ever, giving journalists a first look at Club Bud during the viewing party for the opening ceremony. The venue holds about 2,000 people, but last nights limit was 250, which was great because we all got a fabulous view of the opening ceremony. My dear friend, Sarah Orscheln, was lucky enough to watch the rehearsal of the opening ceremony on August 5th, but according to her, this opening ceremony is made for TV! We had to watch CCTV’s telecast from Club Bud, but I sat next to a couple NBC cameramen, and they said that NBC’s airing of the opening ceremony is going to be incredible! So I hope you all enjoy watching the ceremony as much as I did! I called my family this morning as they were watching the opening ceremony. I completely forgot that it was currently airing in America, since I had already watched it last night.

Tonight will be my official first day of work during the Games! My last day of training was amazing. The women’s gymnastic teams were practicing, and I was able to work as a flash quotes reporter in the Broadcast Mixed Zone. I met so many wonderful people from NBC and BBC; I can’t wait to work with all of them throughout the Games! And as Ted mentioned, if you see any interviews on NBC, we are most likely standing right next to the camera, taking down the quotes. Watching the U.S. women’s gymnastic team was incredible; I honestly can’t wait to watch these girls in action during competition! Tonight is the only time I will be covering the men’s teams; otherwise, I will be working during the women’s competitions.

As many of you have probably heard already, the U.S. men’s team lost another Hamm brother. Morgan Hamm was forced to withdraw from the Games due to a left ankle injury. Hamm's withdrawal came just 10 days after his twin brother Paul also withdrew due to a hand injury.

I have to say most of the “women” competing are girls, around 16-years-old. Shawn Johnson has the entire world looking at her, and she’s just 16-years-old. However, there was one woman that stood out in the National Indoor Stadium that training day. Oksana Aleksandrovna Chusovitina is a 38-year-old gymnast, competing with Germany in the Games this year! She is already an Olympic medalist and World Champion gymnast. She formerly was a citizen of, and a competitor for, the Soviet Union. In 1988, at the age of 13, she won the all-around title at the USSR National Championships in the junior division. By 1990, Oksana was a vital member of the Soviet team. She was the vault gold medalist at the 1990 Goodwill Games and nearly swept the 1990 World Sports Fair in Japan, winning the all-around and every event except the uneven bars. The following year, she won gold for her floor routine at the 1991 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and placed second on vault. In 1992, Oksana competed at the Olympics with the Unified Team, sharing in the team gold medal. But in 2002, Oksana’s son, Alisher, was diagnosed with leukemia. Seeking advanced medical treatment for her son, Oksana and her husband accepted an offer of help from Shanna and Peter Brüggemann, head coaches of the Toyota Cologne club, and moved to Germany. With prize money earned from gymnastics competitions, along with the help of the Brüggemanns and members of the international gymnastics community who fundraised and donated to the cause, Oksana was able to secure treatment for Alisher at the University of Cologne's hospital. While Alisher underwent treatment in Cologne, Oksana trained with the German team, and she will be competing with them this year.

I had the day off a couple of days ago and attempted to find this antique mall with some other Mizzou students. When the taxi driver dropped us off in the wrong area, we decided to take a look at China’s Military Museum since it was in the vicinity. The museum is composed of two four-story wings and a main building of seven stories topped with the emblem of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. After passing through the lobby, one comes to the central exhibition hall, which contains over 500-odd photographs and more than 1,000 mementos of the Chinese revolution led by Mao Zedong over the course of half a century. The first floor is devoted to the Second Revolutionary Civil War (1927-1937), the second floor to the War of Resistance Against Japan (1937-1945) and the third floor to the Third Revolutionary Civil War (1945-1949). It was just coincidence that Sarah Orscheln and I both wore our camo hats that day.

Our next stop was to the 798 Art District, which is a thriving artist community, among 50-year old decommissioned military factory buildings of unique architectural style. It is often compared with New York's Greenwich Village or SoHo. This was by far one of my favorite places in Beijing!

We also celebrated Sarah Orscheln’s Birthday on August 7th, while China celebrated the Qixi Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day! In the Chinese world, Qixi is regarded as the most romantic traditional festival. This year's Qixi is quite special for many in China because it fell just one day before the Beijing Olympic Games.

We’ve also found ourselves eating at a lot of rotating sushi restaurants; however, the food isn’t quite what you’d imagine...

Raw squid

A banana sushi roll
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. I’m enjoying every moment I’m here, and I’m thrilled the Games have finally begun!

Sarah

Quick note on the opening ceremony

Hi guys! Just a quick note before I head back to work at the National Indoor Stadium. I spend most of my evening wandering around the spectators' stand and met a lot of athletes.

Here is a video of Yao Ming (flag bearer for China) getting ready to walk over to the Bird's Nest. I apologize for the lack of audio, my camera did not pick up the sound. But everyone was cheering for the Chinese team, chanting 中國, 加油! Literally, it means "China, add fuel", a Chinese way of saying "strive for the best".

Opening Ceremony!

Hi all! As I write this, most of you are 6.5 hours away from the Opening Ceremony coverage on NBC. Not to rub it in, I watched it hours ago...and can't wait to see it again on Youtube!

Matt, Allie and I headed to the Olympic Green at noon today. We toured and toured and toured AROUND the Green, since we were missing the magic sticker that would let us on! Although we didn't get access to the Olympic grounds, we were super close and got access to the media village.
We only hung around for 14 hours, but made memories for a lifetime! I couldn't even start to share all of the fun and interesting things that happened. (It's 3:45am!)

I hate to reduce my "Favorite parts of today" to quick bullet points, but I don't want to go on forever!

Just to name a few...Spending all day at near the Olympic Green, evading security, acting like I belong in secured areas, trading pins with foreigners, meeting a hilarious French-speaker from Quebec, evading security, lunch in Media village, evading security, meeting people from around the world, sneaking into a hotel, seeing President Bush 30 feet away, acting like I belong in secured areas, seeing a high school friend in the parade of nations, seeing the torch lit with my own eyes, fireworks! fireworks! fireworks!, seeing Jackie Chan's son, knocking the torch lighting off my 'bucket list'...

I'll sleep on most of this and share a couple of stories with you tomorrow. I'd love to share more right now, but I really don't want to ruin it for you all.

My only advice is to watch the Opening Ceremony tonight 8/7central on NBC.

Mark

Day 39 - *****THE 2008 OLYMPICS HAVE BEGUN!!!!!!*****

HEY EVERYONE!

Wow - what a once-in-a-life-time experience!  I'm super tired, but wanted to give you some quick thoughts before I head to bed.  (working tomorrow at 10AM!)  We got home around 12:30AM.  The show was absolutely phenomenal - from the outside.  We actually didn't get to see the show from the inside...but got to be in the atmosphere of the Olympic Green.  It was electric about two hours before the start because everyone was coming to get into the Bird's Nest.  We got pictures with people from all different countries.  Everyone was so excited!  Then, we positioned ourselves by the chute where the athletes would parade in before the Parade of Nations.  It was so neat to see them walk by and the crowd got really energetic over athletes that responded to them.  Then, we sat and watched the firework display on the Green.  We were surrounded by fireworks at the finale and it was such an incredible sight!  I am jealous you all get to watch it again!  It was all that I had hoped it would be - and that's just the beginning!  Tune into the gymnastics competition tomorrow to check out the men's qualifications.  I'll be in the broadcast mixed zone - inside the arena in a line of cameras.  If you see any interviews on NBC, I'll most likely be standing right there!

MUCH more to come later...now off to bed!

Ted

8 hours and counting!

I woke up this morning and couldn't believe my eyes-- my computer and cell phone both say: 08.08.08! It's finally here!

Yesterday, I spent several hours around the Olympic Green searching for the best spot to watch the Opening Ceremony. I think I found it, but can't get a definite answer whether I can stand there or not.

I was hanging around the Water Cube, in front of the Athlete Village when I heard familiar voices. NBC Nightly News' Kevin Tibbles and Today Show contributor Dr. Nancy Schneiderman. I had a momentary memory lapse and had to call Ted to make sure I was right on Kevin's name! I was wearing my University of Missouri shirt, so Dr. Schneiderman came right over and started chatting. I was able to get a picture with Kevin...which made my day. We chatted for a few minutes, but the NBC crew was leaving for their headquarters in a nearby convention center.

I also witnessed something being hauled onto the Bird's Nest. I'm not sure what it is, but it could be the torch. I'll admit it's kind of small, but it is connected to the only large pipe running up the side of the stadium, which I figure to be the gas line. We'll find out for sure tonight!

I'm off to the Green. I plan on finding a great spot with my friends from Missouri to watch the torch lighting and the much-anticipated fireworks!!

Enjoy the opening tomorrow night!!

Mark

Day 38 [20.5 HOURS!!!] - Calm Before the Storm

Hey Everyone!

I was on the Olympic Green tonight!  Wanted to get one more viewing before the craziness begins.  You can see it, too.

Ted

Day 38 [Olympics Eve!!!] - Beijing Huan Ying Ni!!!

Hey Everyone!

It means: "Beijing Welcomes You" - one of the slogans for the Games.

This is it: it's the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and we are just one day away from the start to the festivities.  Our managers at the NIS gave us special accreditation to get into the Olympic Green today and the 8th.  The entire complex is on lockdown for the opening ceremonies.  A lot of us at the NIS agree that even if we won't be able to watch what goes on inside the Bird's Nest (there MAY be a live site or monitor set up outside the stadium), 

it's a rare chance to be at the center of the world for the evening.  We'll get to see the athletes prepare for the Parade of Nations and experience the fireworks firsthand.

For those of you new to the site: welcome!  Including myself, there are four other journalists contributing to this blog page.  The five University of Missouri  students are in Beijing working for the Olympic News Service, an internal news gathering operation that's unlike any other.  A journalist working alone during these Games may not be able to cover every event he or she may want to.  ONS covers every competition at every venue.  We grab quotes from athletes as they finish their competition and put them on a wire service that journalists can access throughout the facilities.  It's a way for journalists to gather information on the go.  Lynette, Sarah and myself are at the gymnastics venue.  Matt is at Field Hockey and Mark is working the Triathlon.  We hope this blog can give you some behind the scenes stories as well as give you a unique perspective to the Olympic Games and China.  We've been blogging for about a month now.  Please feel free to check out our previous posts!  Again, those new to the post: welcome!  Those that started at the beginning with us: thanks for staying!

Ted

The beginning:

My first great story of the Olympics

When people ask me why I want to pursue a career in sports journalism, the fame and money are not the reasons. Ask your local sportscaster if he gets recognized at the grocery store and he may say yes. Ask him if he drives a luxurious sports car and he’ll laugh in your face. So is it that I want to be recognized by the Hy-Vee sackers that I chose this career? Hardly. I truly believe that great sports stories can affect people on and off the court.

Look back and these stories that transcend the game helped define American culture. Who could forget the 1980 USA hockey team who made people believe in miracles. Or what about that first pitch in Yankee Stadium after 9/11. Barbaro captured the hearts of millions of Americans and the bond between Tiger Woods and his father Earl showed how special that father-son connection is. Cal Ripken showed us even superstars go to work everyday, and California showed Stanford that it ain’t over until it’s over.

One day before the Olympics even start in Beijing, I have already found one of these amazing stories. The athlete is South Africa’s Bruce Jacobs. Along with qualifying for his second Olympics, Jacobs is the first player of color to serve as captain for South Africa. While that is a story in itself, the story of his father is better.

Because of the conditions of the apartheid when Alan Jacobs played hockey, he was not allowed on the national team. Nobody of color was. His son Bruce was introduced to the sport when he was eight and grew up around the sport watching his dad play. He always dreamed that one day he would be able to do what his father never got the chance to, represent his country on the national level.

Jacobs called the 2004 Athens game special as he could live out his father’s dream. Four years later and 4,700 miles east, Jacobs will again be representing South Africa. While it doesn’t hold that first-time special feeling, it still retains importance Jacobs said in an interview with me today. It is tough to describe the passion in his eyes when he explained that it was special again this year. It is an honor to go he said, and a huge honor to lead my team in the Olympics.

South Africa will probably not win gold. They probably won’t even medal. Jacobs won’t end up on the SportsCenter's Top 10 in the next two weeks and his face won’t cover the next Wheaties box. His story probably won’t end up in the USA Today and after his retirement after the Olympics, he will become another Average Joe. But his story is everything I love about sports journalism and why it should never die.

Cheers,
-Matt

The Mess with Wess

Today was another day of creating pre-Olympic stories for ONS. I had the pleasure to watch one of the greatest hockey players in the world, Jamie Dwyer play. After the few short moments I watched him, here is my analysis. He is fast, aggressive and can really smack that ball. After the friendly match between Australia and Germany, I was assigned to talk with German defender Timo Wess. This sounded like a pretty easy task. I looked through several photos online and focused on him on the field, as Germany was not wearing numbers. I swear I could have drawn what he looked like.

After the match I headed for the mixed zone to get my interview. There he was, just about to walk into the locker room when I said, “Hey Timo, can I get a few words.” He turned around and laughed saying “I’m not Timo, I’m Benny. Timo is over there.” Just then I had to laugh inside. Timo has a brother named Benjamin on the team. The entire time I was looking at the wrong guy.

I guess this probably served me right. My entire life I always wondered how people could possibly confuse my twin brother Brian and I. I could pick out 100 things different between us. I bet Timo and Benny can pick out 100 things that are different between them. I know how it feels to be called the wrong name, and often shrug it off and point to my brother. I’m glad Benny reacts the same way.

Which Wess is which?


Benny is on the left, Timo is on the right. It is not as easy as it sounds.

Cheers,
-Matt

Day 37 [2 DAYS TO GO!!!!] - Podium Training

Hey Everyone!

Last night, Laura, Shawna and I went to the home of one of the professors from Renmin University.  A cultural exchange program, started by Renmin, allowed small groups of students to visit with the school's professors.  We took a cab to a large complex of apartment buildings.  His apartment, shared with his wife, 50 day-old girl, mother in law and father in law, had a great view.  We chatted for a bit and then headed to a nearby shopping district for dinner.  He took us to one of his favorite restaurants: a hot pot.  It was my first time to eat this type of food so I wasn't sure what to expect.  The server showed up with a huge pot - divided in the center with one side containing spicy broth and the other containing mild.  Then, she served different side dishes to place into the broths including lamb, beef, seaweed, root, mushroom and bamboo.  It was really good and I tried most of everything!  

The bamboo tasted the most exotic leaving a tangy sensation.  The lamb was my favorite.  The meal was wonderful and it was great to talk with a Chinese professor.  He teaches economics at the college and it was interesting to hear a Chinese perspective of world economics.

Today, we had podium training at the NIS - the men's gymnastics groups were training on the different apparatuses in the main arena.  We got to watch them try out the different apparatuses.  After the different teams rotated around the arena, they all went through the mixed zone and we got to interview them.  I got to interview two Canadian hot shots along with the Canadian press.  It was a media circus, but it was a lot of fun and a great experience.  I can't wait to start working in the broadcast mixed zone with NBC!  We got done with work around 11PM...and started that morning at 9AM!!  Long day, but exciting and a preview of the days to come!  I can't believe we are only two days away.  I can still remember when the countdown timer read 45 days.  Now, we're just about to start.  Once the 8th hits, I'll be soaking in as much Olympic mania I can get!

I even got to take a picture with one of the ladies that carry the flags for the parade of nations!  Watch for them on the 8th!

Ted

Food at the Venue

We get free meals at the venue during our training. Breakfast is provided if you arrive before 8:30am and I haven't had a chance to try that out yet. Lunch is from 11am-2pm and if we have evening shifts, we can eat dinner at the venue as well.

We started training a few days before the Chinese volunteers joined us. Back then, we had a buffet style lunch. There were about 10 family style dishes to choose from and I think most of them tasted really good.

I still remember how many of my classmates got a dish they thought was "cucumber and beef stir-fry" and it turned out to be "cucumber and pig's liver stir-fry" It did look a bit like beef, so I don't blame them. But they were really shocked when they put a piece of liver in their mouths. Now, I get quite a few inquiries about the dishes that we get, making sure they don't put weird stuff in their mouths.


As the Chinese volunteers came, we switched over to microwavable lunch boxes (like TV dinners).
Since there are so many volunteers at the National Indoor Stadium, each department get assigned a different time to go to lunch.

There are seven dishes in each set, usually half meat and have vegetables. Then, we also get a bottle of water, rice, soup and a fruit.
I think the dishes are alright, and out of the seven, I can usually pick two to three that I find okay.
Actually, the lunch in the picture was my least favorite since we start having these kind of lunches.
One of the slogans for this Olympics is "Green Olympics" and I'm really impressed by the recycling system at the venue. After every meal, we have to dispose our trash into three different bins. The smaller bins with yellow bags are for "food waste" and so we dump our left overs inside. Then the taller ones with black bags are for "other waste" which are things like the plastic lunch boxes and spoons. On the far left, there are blue bins (which are barely in the picture) for "recyclable waste" such as our water bottles.

Opening Ceremony

As the Olympic Games draw near, several rehearsals have been taking place inside the Bird’s Nest. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed inside, but we were allowed onto the Olympic Green. As many of you have probably heard already, a Korean film crew gained access to the Bird's Nest to rehearse the Korean national broadcast of the Olympic Games. While the cameramen were inside, they secretly filmed a rehearsal of the opening ceremony. This video has been banned on the Chinese news site Sina.com and has been removed from YouTube in China. China has spent more than $300,000,000 on this opening ceremony, and they’ve been preparing for more than three years. According to the Korean station, this is the most “magnificent, brilliant and mysterious” ceremony in Olympic history. The report claims the video features more than 10,000 performers, including kung-fu fighters, trapeze artists and traditional Chinese dancers, while using the “most modern of laser technology” to execute the 10-second Olympic countdown. The only mystery left is how the Olympic torch will arrive to the Bird's Nest and who will be the final torch bearer.

My Chinese friend, Liu, took the previous picture of me outside the Bird's Nest. I'm touching a miniature light image of the Bird's Nest. These miniature sized lights surround the actual Bird's Nest on the Olympic Green.







This picture was taken inside the Bird's Nest after the rehearsal.






Here are some photos of the incredible firework finale...

I’ve also included some video footage of the firework show. Unfortunately, we were standing directly underneath the fireworks, so we don’t have the best view. But I can already tell it’s going to be an incredible view from inside the Bird’s Nest.

Sarah

Day 36 [3 DAYS TO GO!!!] - Video Promo

Hey Everyone!

The video promo is up at the top of the page!  It took about 30 hours to edit!  This is just a promotion for the Olympics done in a la athlete profile sequences!  Enjoy!

Ted

Day 35 [4 DAYS TO GO] - Press Conference

Hey Everyone!

Press Conference: 4 DAYS TO GO!!  Can't believe the waiting is almost over!  I don't know about the rest of my blogger friends, but I feel like I am going to explode with anticipation.  The Chinese, of course, are also extremely excited.  It's been seven years in the making!  I was on the Olympic Green today.  Things are basically set for Friday.  They've cordoned off a main part of the plaza for, I believe, the athletes to line up for the parade of nations.  If you watched the Today Show this morning you would have seen Matt Lauer broadcasting live from the Great Wall.  They took bump shots - the last shot before a commercial break - from the Green.  I was standing right by the camera when they were taking shots of the Bird's Nest lit up.  It was fun to watch.  I also met up with a lady from my home station in Indianapolis (WTHR).  I interned there a few summers ago and it turns out we'll be working together at the NIS!  What are the odds!  She's here working for NBC News Channel and will be following major athletes from Indiana.

Five weeks have gone by and it feels like it's been long and short.  When I think back to some of the first experiences I've had here, it seems forever ago.  However, with the Olympics right on top of us, it feels so short.  We only have three more weeks to go before we leave...but these days are going to be the best!  You can count on continuous updates during the Games!

Check out a panoramic picture of inside the Bird's Nest courtesy of my friend, Laura.  You can really see how massive the stadium really is.  Just click on the picture and scroll from side to side to pan around.

http://lmdotson.com/Pano/Birdsnest.html

Ted

High Speed Experience

On Sunday, Matt and I went with two other Missouri students down to Tianjin. We read that China unveiled a new bullet train, and we had to experience it for ourselves.



Watch our video from our day trip. The trip was a lot of fun, I hope to return to Tianjin before the end of August!

Mark

What would Simon say?

Few people often remember those who come in second place. The television show American Idol is no different. People remember Justin Guarini only because of his goofy hair and want to forget about Clay Aiken because his lyrics included being invisible and watching you in your room. Pretty creepy huh? In China it is no different as second place is often forgotten.

The first week in Beijing, I had the opportunity to visit a local news outlet known as the Beijing Youth Daily. During the hour-long tour, our guide named Tony showed several of us the convergence journalism happening at the paper. In a college dormitory-sized room, two men sat chatting with a couple. Tony told us that he was a celebrity. (Tony figured this as the woman sitting next to him was beautiful. That reminded me a little of America.) I snapped off a few pictures and then set out to find out who this guy was.
After five weeks of toting around a photo asking if someone knew who this guy was, I found an answer. I was talking to a few of my Chinese colleagues at the field hockey venue when a girl nicknamed Yezi started giggling. She said this guy named Wu Jian Fei was runner-up in the Chinese version of American Idol known as Good Boy. She also said he looked as he was more of a model. After searching that name, I confirmed that he is in fact a model.

It was tough for me to believe that people can't remember who came in second. American Idol had 35.5 million viewers during the premier episode last season. But then I get thinking, who does win second. Quick without opening a new window or tab, tell me who got second in American Idol. It is a little tougher than you may think.

Second place answers: Justin Guarini, Clay Aiken, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice, Katharine McPhee, Blake Lewis and David Archuleta

Here's a little more food for thought. What do you think China's Ryan Seacrest looks like?
Lothrop out

Day 34 [5 DAYS TO GO] - Luggage

Hey Everyone!

I was able to make it to church today - the second time this trip. It was nice to be back to the South Cathedral. Four priests from London were there helping celebrate Mass. Then I met some friends at the Silk Market - another tourist mall where you barter for items. My goal was to find a small luggage piece to take back because I have accumulated a lot of souvenirs and knickknacks. The rest of the day was spent lounging around and ended with a game of cards with friends. Again, here are some pictures from the other night. Truly spectacular!

Ted

Day 33 [6 Days To Go] - Rehearsal

Hey Everyone!

WOW! What a day! We had training today at the NIS. Things are really coming along at the NIS. Almost ready! The men's U.S. team was there today and I got to interview the head coach on a number of current topics! It was such an amazing experience and I really felt like I was contributing to ONS. Again, I am unable to go into more detail due to privacy issues.

Today was a scheduled rehearsal day for the Opening Ceremonies. After noontime, the area was on lockdown and only those with special, extra credentials were allowed onto the Green. We were given the credentials which allowed us to come on and off the grounds. In the evening, we headed to the Green to watch the rehearsal. We meandered around the Green and took pictures of the fireworks. We camped out across the Bird's Nest - there's a lake south of the Bird's Nest and the reflection of the lights is really pretty. The show was amazing and included five Olympic rings done in firework displays and "2008" numbering with smiley face fireworks. We also got to see the inside of the Bird's Nest as well. It was one of those awestruck moments seeing the massive stage. I could have spent all night in there, but it was late. I think tonight was one of the coolest things I've done in a long time - yeah, it's sad to say that. Anyway, I really felt the Olympic spirit tonight!

Ted

A Ceremony of sorts

Hi All!

Matt and I wandered around Beijing last night. My goal was to see Tien'anmen Square and the National Theatre of Performing Arts lit up at night.

We arrived at the Tien'anmen West subway station at 7pm, and were greeted by thousands of people jam packed in the square, most of which facing the center. My first reaction was the time: 7pm. One hour and one week until the Opening Ceremonies, could it be for that? Matt finally tracked down an Olympic volunteer who spoke English. He told us something about the Chinese Flag and it being down. We put together "flag" and "down" and realized the nightly flag lowering ceremony was about to being, usually around 7:30pm. We had nothing to lose, and nowhere to be, so we watched the soldiers walk out from the Forbidden City, march across the eight lanes of traffic (which are stopped for the occassion) and mount the flag's platform. After about 2 minutes, the soldiers marched back into the Forbidden City with China's massive red and yellow flag. It was quite an experience!

With 20 minutes to go until 8pm, Matt and planned to race across to the official countdown clock. Instead, we talked to another Chinese student and found out August 1st marked a special date for the Chinese. Friday was "PLA Day," which accounted for the massive crowds. It was the 81st anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, the official military branch of the Communist Party of China.

Now we only had a few minutes to pass through the security gates and crowds at Tien'anmen and get to the countdown clock hit 7 days: 00 hours: 00 minutes: 00 seconds until the Opening Ceremonies. It happened after we got there, people clapped and the lights across Tien'anmen Square lit up! No fireworks, but I hear they're saving it for next week!!!

With one final stop in mind, we walked an extra block east towards the National Theatre of Performing Arts. WOW...totally worth the visit. It was lit up with vibrant colors and crowds just stopped to look at the architecture of the building: it's a half-egg made of titanium and colored glass set in the middle of a lake. It's unbelievable.


Take Care,
Mark

Countdown to the Games...

Since my last blog post, I’ve been staying busy at BOCOG Training. It’s nice to see all the journalists finally arriving. The broadcast folks get here tomorrow, so that’s when my fun will begin.

Most of the athletes are here and have begun training in the National Indoor Stadium (NIS). As many of you know, Paul Hamm pulled out of the Olympics because his broken hand still isn’t healthy enough for him to compete.

As a result, Raj Bhavsar will take his place.

The group spends most the evenings in the Hou Hai (pronounced HO-hi) area, which is a manmade lake—the largest of three consecutive lakes lined with willow trees and surrounded by a maze of hutongs, shops, and cafes. The evening is a beautiful time to visit, since the courtyard stays lit through the evening.

Olympic tickets have also gone on sale here in China. Eric Durban, a Mizzou convergence major, decided to brave the massive “lines” for a chance at getting tickets. The Guardian, the New York Times of the UK, posted an article about their long wait in line. Unfortunately, after a full day of waiting they left with no tickets in hand. Here’s a picture of Eric, holding the sign, “Line Starts Here.”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2008/jul/24/olympics2008.china.beijing?picture=335958099


I trusted my dear friend, Sarah Orscheln, to buy us tickets on Beijing’s Craig’s list for the women’s gold medal football match. Sarah played soccer in college and stays up-to-date on any soccer news. She informed me that Abby Wambach recently broke her leg and will not be playing in the Olympic Games. Wambach is the U.S. Women’s leading scorer, and she broke her leg in a game in San Diego on July 16th.



I’m also including several photos that Sarah has taken during our trip. She is a convergence major at MU.

Sarah and I visited Wángfǔjǐng and the Night Market the other day. Wángfǔjǐng street, located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, is one of China's most famous shopping streets. Much of the road is off-limits to cars and other motor vehicles, which is nice for pedestrians. You can find anything from dog brain soup to fried starfish! Sarah and I decided we’re going to come back with a group of kids, so we can try all the crazy foods together.

Sarah

Waiting for Dwyer

It has been nearly two weeks since I first stepped foot into the Olympic Green Field Hockey Stadium venue. In that short span of time, I have learned quite a bit about field hockey. Growing up in the Midwest where football is king, I had no experience with the sport whatsoever. But thanks to the knowledge and patience of a Sports Information Specialist Andy and a Olympic News Service Reporter Fidz, I have expanded my sports knowledge and mind.

This past week I have had the opportunity to watch some of the best field hockey players in the entire world. I have had the opportunity to interview coaches, chat with players, meet journalist and stand toe-to-toe with future colleagues. It has been quite a learning experience. I have learned who the best players are, who is favored to win, who has a tradition of winning and who could potentially play the role of spoilers.

I can tell you that Luciana Aymar from Argentina is one of the greatest female athletes of the generation. She plays a sport that gets little attention in North America, but when she laces up those bright pink shoes and grabs a stick, she is something else. I can also tell you that on the men's side, Teun de Nooijer is the best player I have seen in field hockey. I can tell you that fellow Dutchman Guus Vogels is one of the best goal keepers in the world, Australia's Melanie Wells is a great interview and Argentina's coach Gabriel Minadeo speaks Spanglish.

I haven't seen it all... yet. I am still anxious as ever to watch a real game and not just a training game. I am anxious to interview more athletes. I am anxious to see who will win, who will lose, great scores, great saves and totally embrace the sport of field hockey. I cannot lie, I am also anxious to see Australia's Jamie Dwyer play. Most regard him as the greatest hockey player in the world. He scores a lot of goals and has won countless awards and trophies, but there is another reason why I am so eager to watch and interview him. He is the best. According to sources at least, he is better at his job than anybody else is at his. What a thing to strive for.

Day 32 [7 Days To Go] - Green Nightlife

Hey Everyone!

Overnight, Laura and I went onto the Olympic Green to get some snapshots of the area at night. It was pretty spooky because there was hardly anyone on the subway and the Green was pretty much empty...but we got some wonderful shots! Below is some of the stuff I shot!

Ted