Beijing Olympics is the Pride of China

I can't say that I've watched every Olympic Opening Ceremony in recent times, but I have to say the 2008 bash put together by host nation China and aired around the world last Friday was epic and unlike any I've ever seen staged.

The Chinese didn't merely use the opportunity to showcase their rich culture and heritage, they put on an entertaining extravaganza that pulled out all the artistic stops. Using thousands of performers (a commentator speculated that more than 10,000 volunteers had performed in the opening ceremony), the show was a convincing demonstration of Chinese ingenuity that is probably testament to the nation's much talked about economic muscle.

And if that wasn't enough there were symbolic themes throughout that communicated China's diversity, national spirit and contribution to the world. Yes, we know it's only half the story - the half that is meant to evoke pride and praise - but you cannot expect the controversial leadership to host a ceremony that shows anything but the best of China.

One of those symbolic moments was the announcement that the little boy accompanying the flagbearer of the Chinese Olympic team, was a hero of the recent earthquake tragedy - he saved two people in the disaster. Brilliant touch!

So, the Games have begun. Good luck to all - of course a special bolt of inspiration for team South Africa. Personally, I have my hopes pinned on Natalie du Toit (what an awesome athlete) and 800m specialist Mbulaeni Malaudzi (currently ranked no.3 in the world).