World marathon record holder Paul Tergat said on Friday that the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will open a window for people to know more about China.

"Hosting a big sports event is very important for a country," Tergat from Kenya told Xinhua. He believed the 35th IAAF World Cross Country Championships to be held on Saturday in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa will boost Kenya's exposure to the international community and is crucial to Kenya economically.

"Beijing will host the Olympic Games next year. It will be an opportunity for the international community to see the beauty of China, feel the kindness of Chinese people and different culture in China," Tergat said. The record holder noted that he does not want to be left behind and intends to be in China at that time.

The record holder, also member of the local organizing committee of the Mombasa Championships, added that many young runners in Kenya have already aimed at the 2008 Olympic Games by hard training. Kenya holds high expectation and wishes to win more medals than before, especially in long distance running.

Source: Xinhua