Honorary IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch said China has hosted the best Games in the Olympic history and sent his regard to the Chinese people via Xinhuanet.com.
Honorary IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch (L) gives an exclusive interview to Xinhuanet.com in Beijing, Sept.10, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Yan) "All Chinese people must be very proud of the great success of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games," said 88-year-old Samaranch in an exclusive interview with Xinhuanet.com in Beijing Tuesday.
"The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have been the best success, but only for China, also for the Olympic Movement as well," said Samaranch.
Two conditions have made the Beijing Olympic Games a great success, according to Samaranch.
Honorary IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch (L) gives an exclusive interview to Xinhuanet.com in Beijing, Sept.10, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Yan) One is the excellent preparation; the other, the excellent results of the Chinese team. The two make the Beijing Olympics an important games, he added.
"For me, the Beijing Olympics has been the best games in the Olympic history," Samaranch stressed once again.
As to the ongoing Paralympic Games, Samaranch said Beijing offers the best conditions for the Paralympians to perform, which is an honor for the disabled people and will encourage them to take part in sports.
On Tuesday afternoon, Samaranch watched the cycling events at the Laoshan Velodrome, and presented medals for Men's 1km Time Trial (LC 2) competition.
Honorary IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch (L) gives an exclusive interview to Xinhuanet.com in Beijing, Sept.10, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Yan) He also met Xu Haifeng, China's first Olympic gold medalist.
In 1984, Xu won the Men's 50m pistol (60 shots) competition at the Los Angeles Olympic Games to claim China's first ever Olympic gold.
Samaranch presented the gold to Xu at the victory ceremony, which is also his first gold to present after becoming the IOC president.
Source: Xinhua
