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More Than Gold

Just a generation ago, the idea that it would host the greatest Olympics ever would have been outlandish. Black bicycles, gray Mao suits, grim faces -- a closed country, fearful and feared. But for the past 16 days, the world has witnessed something awesome. A new and beautiful China -- smiling, proud, graceful. Traditional but suddenly modern, and above all a nation now capable and effective.

Could anyone who knew the country back then have imagined it? That around the globe the Bird's Nest and Water Cube would become more familiar than the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. That scores of Chinese athletes would weep in victory. That thousands of exuberant local fans would pack the basketball venue, whole sections wearing Kobe's jersey, whooping it up as their "Little Flying Warrior" brought his second-half brilliance to the Games' last event.

The magnificent sporting performances throughout paid tribute to China's great staging, keeping the focus on the play and not the politics. The country is still a work in progress but rising fast, powered by pride and purpose, and lifting the rest of Asia with it. Korea's baseball team, Mongolia's boxers, Singapore's ping-pong paddlers -- all reflecting the confidence of the Orient re-made.

The PRC has often appeared in these posts for the wrong reasons. But not today.

Congratulations, China.

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Full post as published by The FCPA Blog on August 24, 2008 (boomark / email).