Sharing Dreams and Glory:
Images from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
The 16 days from August 8 to 24, 2008, are a glorious chapter in the history of Olympiad: a time when humanity shared in the aspirations and glories of some of its finest.
Under the five-ring flag, people speaking different languages, of different colors and ethnic groups from the 204 members of the Olympic Family came together in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, peace and progress. No other gathering can be compared with the Olympic Games, in which participants transcend their differences and communicate with each other as never before. No other stage can be compared with the Olympic Games, which allows people threatened by war and poverty to showcase their talents and feel appreciation and dignity.
During the 16 days, athletes struggled for gold medals and honor, and strove for friendship. In the arena of fair play, athletes pushed themselves to their physical limits and made a succession of breakthroughs, setting 38 world records and 85 Olympic records. Many countries and regions garnered their first Olympic gold or even their first-ever medal at the Beijing Games.
The world cheered for legendary athletes such as Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. The world cheered for Iraqi and Afghan athletes who competed against all the odds. The world cheered at the embrace of Russia’s Natalia Paderina and Georgia’s Nino Salukvadze after the women’s 10 – meter air pistol final.
The Chinese delegation achieved its best ever result at the Olympic Games with 51 golds and a total of 100 medals. The international community lauded the extraordinary opening ceremony, the venues, organization and services – perhaps the greatest of all the host nation’s honors.
The peoples of the world came together and celebrated. The Olympic Games brought about unprecedented exchanges between the world and China. It was a passionate dialogue between China and the world.The passion and excitement flowed inside and outside the venues, along with surprises, dreams and glory.
This exhibit is made possible by Hanban, Confucius Institute at Troy, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, and Troy University College of Communication & Fine Arts. |
